The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued yellow heat health alerts for London, the South East and East of England, effective from 4pm on May 28 until 8pm on May 30. The alerts come as temperatures reach 32C, marking an unusually early heatwave for the season.
The alert system, operated jointly by UKHSA and the Met Office, provides early warnings when extreme temperatures are likely to impact health. While the core heat alert season typically runs from June 1 to September 30, extraordinary alerts can be issued outside this period if unusually hot weather develops.
Health officials warn that high temperatures can seriously affect vulnerable groups, including older people, young children and those with existing health conditions. Each warning carries a risk score of eight, with a high likelihood of heat-related impacts despite the overall impact level being classed as low. Possible impacts on health and social care services are also anticipated.
The alerts follow the UK's hottest May day on record earlier this week, with temperatures reaching 35C at Heathrow and Kew Gardens on May 26, surpassing the previous record of 32.8C. The Met Office also confirmed a new record for the warmest May overnight temperature, with Kenley Airfield recording a minimum of 21.3C, creating a 'tropical night'.
Forecasters expect the heatwave to gradually ease heading into the weekend, with cooler and more unsettled weather moving across the UK. Some areas, including parts of Cumbria, North Yorkshire, Tyne and Wear, County Durham and Northumberland, could see heavy rain by Saturday. However, temperatures in southeast England may still reach 32C on Thursday before turning fresher from Friday.
