The United Kingdom is braced for its hottest May bank holiday on record, with temperatures expected to reach 34C in parts of England. The Met Office has issued a heat warning, describing the potential conditions as historic for the time of year.
Sunday was already the warmest May day in at least 79 years, with a high of 32.3C recorded at Kew Gardens in south-west London. Wales and Northern Ireland also saw record-breaking heat, with 27.4C in Cardiff and 23.4C in Armagh. Edinburgh reached 23.5C, just below the Scottish record of 23.6C set in Aboyne on May 1.
Eight areas of England are now experiencing heatwave conditions, including Greater London, Oxfordshire, Suffolk, and Essex. The UK Health Security Agency has issued an amber health alert, warning of a significant impact on health and social care services. The alert, first issued on Friday, is set to remain in place until Wednesday.
Older adults and other vulnerable groups are at greatest risk, as their bodies struggle to regulate temperature. Age UK has advised staying indoors between 11am and 3pm and taking regular cold baths or showers. Charity director Caroline Abrahams urged people to check on older relatives, friends, and neighbours, offering to pick up shopping or medication, or lending a fan.
In a separate development, Lincolnshire Police confirmed that the body of 15-year-old Declan Sawyer was recovered from Swanholme Lakes in Lincoln on Sunday, after he was reported to be in difficulty in the water at 2.30pm. Some relief is expected in north-west Scotland, where conditions will be breezier and damper with thicker cloud.
