The UK has experienced its hottest day of the year so far, with temperatures reaching 32.1C on Sunday. A heatwave has been officially declared in eight locations across southeast England, where the threshold of 27C has been met for three consecutive days.
The Met Office confirmed that Santon Downham was the first location to meet the criteria, followed closely by Heathrow. Monday's temperatures are expected to soar even higher, potentially reaching 34C in Greater London and the southeast. The Met Office warns that this could break the May temperature record of 32.8C, set in 1922 and 1944.
Amber heat health alerts are in place for London, the southeast, the east, and the Midlands, with yellow alerts across the rest of England. The UK Health Security Agency warns of a likely significant impact on health and social services, including a rise in deaths.
Met Office deputy chief forecaster Steve Kocher stated: 'It is likely that the May and spring UK temperature records will be broken over the Bank Holiday weekend.' He added that while much of the UK will see dry and sunny weather, Northern Ireland and western Scotland may experience cloud and showers.
