A scorching heatwave is set to make parts of the UK hotter than the Seychelles this bank holiday weekend, with temperatures potentially reaching 30C in the south of England, according to the Met Office.
Record-Breaking Heat Expected
The UK experienced its hottest day of the year so far on Friday, May 22, with temperatures hitting 28.4C in Heathrow, Cambridge, and Cranwell in Lincolnshire. This weekend, the mercury is forecast to climb even higher, with 30C expected on Saturday (May 23) and 31C on Sunday. Monday could see the hottest May day on record, with temperatures predicted to reach 33C in southern England and the Midlands.
These temperatures would surpass those expected in Athens (Greece), Split (Croatia), and Victoria in the Seychelles. The current May temperature record stands at 32.8C, recorded in Camden Square, north London, in 1922, and in Horsham (West Sussex), Tunbridge Wells (Kent), and Regent’s Park (central London) in 1944.
Regional Variations and Health Alerts
While southern and central areas bask in sunshine, some regions may see cloudier conditions. A cold front could bring patchy drizzle to north-west Scotland, Northern Ireland, and western coastal areas. UV levels will be high across much of the UK over the bank holiday weekend, with a UV index of seven expected in Cardiff and London on Saturday, and in Manchester on Sunday. The public is advised to apply sun cream when outdoors.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued amber heat health alerts for the East Midlands, West Midlands, east of England, London, and the South East, effective until 5pm on Wednesday. These alerts indicate a likely rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions, and increased demand on health and social care services. Yellow alerts, which signify possible significant impacts on health and social care, have been issued for the north-east and north-west of England, Yorkshire and Humber, and the South West.
Greg Dewhurst, media adviser and senior operational meteorologist at the Met Office, stated: “High pressure will dominate through the whole of the Bank Holiday weekend. Plenty of very warm sunshine across England and Wales each day. Scotland and Northern Ireland will see more cloud at times, with a few showers across north-west Scotland.”
