The UK is preparing for a scorching bank holiday weekend, with temperatures expected to reach 33C in parts of southern England, potentially breaking the May record of 32.8C set in London in 1922. The Met Office has indicated a 40% chance of this record being surpassed on Sunday.
Forecasters predict that temperatures could exceed those in popular Greek holiday destinations such as Mykonos, Rhodes, and Santorini. Any temperature above 29.4C would be the warmest May day in the UK since 2012.
The UK Health Security Agency has issued heat health alerts for the Midlands, eastern England, and south-east England, warning of minor impacts on health and social care services, including increased demand from vulnerable people and higher risk of water-related incidents.
Temperatures are expected to climb to 28C on Friday, rising above 30C over the weekend. Wales may meet heatwave criteria by Sunday, while parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland could see mid-20s by next week. The warmest day so far this year was 26.6C at Kew Gardens in April.
Deputy chief forecaster Greg Wolverson said high pressure will bring fine and settled conditions to most areas, though northwestern Scotland will be cooler and cloudier with some rain. There is also a small risk of thunderstorms in the south late on Friday into Saturday.
