Britain is set to bask in temperatures of up to 30C over the bank holiday weekend, with forecasters predicting parts of the UK will be hotter than popular Greek holiday destinations. The Met Office has said the country could experience its warmest day of the year so far as a heatwave develops.
Forecaster Tom Morgan said there is a 40% chance temperatures could climb to 33C in parts of southern England on Sunday, which would make it the warmest May day on record. The current record stands at 32.8C, recorded in Camden Square, London, in 1922. Any temperature above 29.4C would be the warmest May reading since 2012.
Temperatures in the UK are expected to exceed those forecast in Mediterranean hotspots including Mykonos, Rhodes and Santorini over the weekend. The heat will build from Friday, with 28C expected in parts of England, before climbing above 30C across several areas over the following three days.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued heat health alerts covering much of the Midlands, eastern England and south-east England. 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.
Wales could meet heatwave criteria by Sunday, while parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland are forecast to see temperatures reaching the mid-20s by next week. Mr Morgan said: “This is a prolonged period of high temperatures.” A UK heatwave is officially recorded when an area experiences at least three consecutive days with temperatures meeting or exceeding the region’s threshold.
Deputy chief forecaster Greg Wolverson said: “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.”
