Amber heat health alerts have been issued for parts of the UK ahead of the bank holiday weekend, with temperatures forecast to reach as high as 33C (91F) on Monday, potentially breaking the May record of 32.8C set in 1944.
The alerts, which indicate a possible risk to life, significant travel delays, and power cuts, will be in effect from 2pm on Friday until 5pm on Wednesday for the East Midlands, West Midlands, east of England, London, and south-east England. Yellow alerts have also been issued for the north-east, north-west, Yorkshire and Humber, and south-west England, warning of potential impacts on health and social services.
The Met Office deputy chief forecaster Steve Kocher said temperatures will climb through the weekend, with 30C expected on Saturday, 32C on Sunday, and a peak of 33C on Monday in southern England and the Midlands. The hot weather is attributed to a shift in wind direction bringing warmer air from hotter places, following one of the driest Aprils on record in central and southern England.
The public are advised to stay hydrated, avoid direct sunlight between 11am and 3pm, wear sunglasses, and avoid alcohol, caffeine, and hot drinks. Windows should be closed during the day and opened at night to let cooler air in.
