The United Kingdom is bracing for what could be the hottest days of the year as a heatwave develops over the bank holiday weekend. Forecasters predict temperatures will exceed 30C, with Sunday potentially becoming the warmest May day on record.
Record-Breaking Temperatures Expected
The Met Office has indicated a 40 per cent probability that temperatures may climb to 33C in parts of southern England on Sunday. If realised, this would surpass the current May record of 32.8C, set in Camden Square, London, in 1922. Any reading above 29.4C would mark the warmest May temperature recorded in the UK since 2012.
These high temperatures are set to outstrip those in popular Greek holiday destinations such as Mykonos, Rhodes, and Santorini over the weekend.
Regional Forecast and Heatwave Criteria
On Friday, temperatures are expected to reach 28C in parts of England, climbing above 30C across several areas over the subsequent three days, according to the Met Office. A UK heatwave is officially defined as at least three consecutive days with temperatures meeting or exceeding the regional heatwave threshold.
Wales may also experience these conditions over the weekend, while Scotland and Northern Ireland are expected to have milder weather. The warmest day recorded in the UK so far this year was 26.6C at Kew Gardens in south-west London in April.
Meteorologist Commentary
Greg Wolverson, the Met Office's deputy chief forecaster, stated: "A very warm period of weather will develop through the weekend and into next week for much of the UK. High pressure will be in charge of the UK's weather over the bank holiday weekend, and this should bring fine and settled conditions to most areas. The exception will be parts of northwestern Scotland, where it will be cooler and cloudier with some rain at times. There is also a small risk of some thunder in the south late on Friday into Saturday."
Health Alerts Issued
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued heat health alerts covering much of the Midlands, eastern England, and south-east England over the weekend and into next week. The agency warned of "minor impacts" across health and social care services, including increased demand from vulnerable people, hotter indoor environments, and a higher risk of water-related incidents.
Five-Day Weather Forecast
Thursday: Rather cloudy and breezy across many northern and northwestern areas, with outbreaks of rain at times. Elsewhere, after a grey and in places misty start with patchy rain in the west, some very warm sunshine developing.
Thursday night: Breezy, with rain spreading northeastwards across Northern Ireland and Scotland this evening, then some clearer spells overnight. Mostly clear in England and Wales, though patchy fog and drizzle in the west.
Friday: Patchy rain and fog in the northwest, and some western areas at first. Otherwise dry with a good deal of very warm or hot sunshine developing. Breezy in the northwest.
Saturday to Monday: Some showers Friday night, clearing southeastwards early Saturday. Patchy rain at times in the far northwest, and some coastal mist patches. Otherwise dry. Hot sunshine by day, mostly clear overnight.
