A heatwave has been officially declared in multiple regions of England, with amber heat health alerts remaining in force across the country. Temperatures are forecast to soar to 35°C on Tuesday for some parts of the UK after the highest minimum temperature for May was broken for a second consecutive day on Monday.
The health warnings indicate a potentially significant impact on health and social services, as well as a rise in deaths, with alerts in place until 5pm on 27 May. Met Office chief operational meteorologist Dan Suri stated: "Further heat is in the forecast for much of England and Wales, with similar temperatures expected on Tuesday. High pressure is forecast to gradually lose its influence later in the week, though maximum temperatures will still remain high, reaching the low 30s Celsius for some mid-week and high 20s Celsius late this week."
Record-Breaking Temperatures
A heatwave has been declared in eight locations in southeast England, which have now met the threshold of 27°C for three consecutive days of hot weather. The country also recorded its provisional all-time hottest meteorological spring temperature when Kew Gardens in south-west London hit 34.8°C on Monday. The Met Office listed 12 locations where this record was topped on Monday, ranging from Suffolk to Berkshire to Warwickshire, while 97 of its monitoring sites reached or surpassed 30°C.
The UK's previous warmest May night was measured on Sunday when temperatures did not fall below 19.4°C at Kenley Airfield. The hottest May temperature could be broken again on Tuesday, with an expected high of 35°C across large swathes of southern England and Wales, which could even creep up to 36°C, according to the Met Office. These forecasts span the Midlands, the south-east and south-west of England, East Anglia, and South Wales. Thunderstorms could be sparked in the afternoon, which would affect how hot it gets, the Met Office added.
Weather Forecast for the Coming Days
Tuesday
Another very hot day across much of England and Wales with strong sunshine. Fresher across northern areas with sunny spells. A few thundery showers may bubble up across England and Wales later in the afternoon with intense downpours.
Wednesday
Dry on Wednesday with sunny spells for many. Cloudier in the northeast but some bright spells slowly developing. Very warm in the southwest, but feeling fresher elsewhere.
Thursday to Saturday
Staying hot across parts of the south through the next few days. A risk of a few thundery showers at times, but largely dry for many.
