Meteorologists say the country could witness its hottest May day ever recorded as an intense Bank Holiday heatwave grips Britain…reports Asian Lite News desk
The Met Office has warned that the United Kingdom could experience record breaking temperatures over the Bank Holiday weekend after the country recorded its hottest day of the year so far, with temperatures climbing to 30.5C in Kent.
The temperature, recorded in Frittenden, marked the first time since 2012 that the UK had exceeded 30C during May, as forecasters predicted the exceptional heat would continue to intensify through the weekend and into Monday.
Meteorologists believe temperatures could peak at 33C in parts of southern England and the Midlands on Bank Holiday Monday, potentially breaking the UK’s all time May temperature record of 32.8C. That record was first set in Camden Square in north London in 1922 before being matched in Horsham, Tunbridge Wells and Regent’s Park in 1944.
According to the Met Office, temperatures are expected to reach around 31C in southern England on Sunday, while northern areas could still see highs of 26C. Much of England and Wales is forecast to experience prolonged sunshine and dry conditions as high pressure dominates the weather pattern across the country.
Greg Dewhurst said high pressure would dominate throughout the Bank Holiday weekend, bringing very warm sunshine across England and Wales. He added that Scotland and Northern Ireland would remain cooler, with more cloud and occasional showers, particularly across north western Scotland.
Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Steve Kocher said temperatures would continue climbing steadily throughout the weekend, especially in southern parts of the UK where 30C was likely on Saturday before rising further on Sunday and Monday. He warned that both May and spring temperature records could be broken as the heatwave intensified.
Heatwave thresholds are expected to be reached in several parts of the country from Sunday onwards. A UK heatwave is officially recorded when temperatures meet or exceed a set threshold for at least three consecutive days, with the exact level varying between regions. Forecasters expect the conditions to spread across central and western England as well as parts of Wales by the end of the weekend.
The Met Office said the unusual warmth is being driven mainly by a strengthening area of high pressure positioned over and near the UK rather than direct hot air moving from southern Europe or North Africa. Sinking air beneath the high pressure system becomes compressed as it descends, causing temperatures at the surface to rise significantly through a process known as adiabatic compression.
The hot spell has prompted health and safety warnings from several organisations. The UK Health Security Agencyissued amber heat health alerts for London, the South East, the East Midlands, the West Midlands and eastern England, warning of possible increases in deaths among older people and those with existing health conditions. Yellow alerts remain in place across northern and south western England.
Anya Gopfert urged people to check on vulnerable neighbours, friends and relatives during the heatwave, warning that even moderate heat could cause serious health problems. Health experts advised the public to stay hydrated, use sunscreen and avoid spending long periods in direct sunlight.
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution and the Royal Life Saving Society UK also issued warnings to people visiting beaches and open water locations during the Bank Holiday weekend.
Ashley Jones said sea temperatures around the UK remained dangerously cold despite the hot weather, ranging from 9C around Scotland to 13C in south western England. She warned that cold water shock could quickly overwhelm even strong swimmers and urged people to choose lifeguarded beaches, supervise children closely and avoid swimming alone.
Meanwhile, the British Red Cross reminded the public to take precautions against dehydration, sunburn and heat stroke as millions prepare to spend time outdoors over the long weekend. Dafydd Beech encouraged people to build simple safety habits during hot weather, including drinking plenty of fluids and taking regular breaks from the sun.
Climate experts also noted that extreme May heat events are becoming increasingly likely because of climate change linked to greenhouse gas emissions. A recent study by Met Office scientists found that breaking the UK’s May temperature record is now around three times more likely than it would have been in a natural climate unaffected by human activity.
