Amber and yellow weather alerts have been issued ahead of the Bank Holiday period as the heatwave across the UK continues following the hottest day of the year so far on Saturday.
Parts of the country are expected to reach up to 30C on Sunday, with temperatures expected to rise as high as 33C on Monday and Tuesday – hotter than the Seychelles.
However, parts of western Scotland and Northern Ireland will experience cooler temperatures, with clouds and spells of rain expected.
The Met Office’s deputy chief forecaster, Steve Kocher, said: ‘Temperatures will climb through the weekend, especially in the south, where 30C is likely to be recorded on Saturday and 32C on Sunday.
‘Temperatures are forecast to peak on Monday when we could see 33C recorded in southern England and the Midlands.
‘It is likely that the May and spring UK temperature records will be broken over the Bank Holiday weekend, with forecast temperatures surpassing the existing record of 32.8C.
‘As well as it being hot, there will be lots of dry and sunny weather for much of the UK.
‘There will however be more cloud and some showers in Northern Ireland and western Scotland through the weekend.
‘With relatively low sea surface temperatures there is also likely to be some low cloud and sea fog clinging closely to western coasts.’
Sun screen is applied in the sunshine in Richmond, west London on Saturday as temperatures are set to rise over the long bank holiday weekend
A UK heatwave is official when a location records at least three consecutive days of daily maximum temperatures which meet or exceed a specified threshold – which varies by region
The current May temperature record is 32.8C, recorded at Camden Square on May 22, 1922, and also on May 29, 1944 at Horsham, Tunbridge Wells and Regent’s Park.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued amber heat-health alerts for four regions of England.
It has warned that high temperatures over the Bank Holiday may put vulnerable people at increased risk.
Health and social care services are set to prepare for further alerts over the summer as temperatures rise.
Yellow heat health alerts have been issued for southwestern and northern England.
The warnings mean there is likely to be ‘a rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions’ and increased demand on all health and social care services, according to the UKHSA website.
Dr Anya Gopfert, of the UKHSA, said: ‘We know that even moderate heat can lead to serious health problems, especially for older people and those with certain health conditions, so it’s important that everyone takes simple precautions while enjoying the warm weather over the coming days.
‘If you have friends, family or neighbours who are more vulnerable, it is important to check in on them and ensure they are aware of the forecasts and are following the necessary advice.’
People enjoying the warm weather on Sunny Sands beach in Folkestone, Kent
People enjoy a drink, sitting in the sunshine beside the River Thames in Richmond
Warnings have also been issued over people entering water as they cool off over the weekend, as there is still a danger of cold water shock.
The Met Office said beachgoers heading to the coast should be mindful that sea surface temperatures are not as high as they would be in mid-summer.
Despite some parts of the country reaching 30C, current sea surface temperatures range from 9C around Scotland to 13C around the southwest of the England.
Ashley Jones, head of water safety and education at Royal Life Saving Society UK, said: ‘As air temperatures rise, it’s important people don’t underestimate the risks associated with entering open water.
‘Even during a heatwave, water will remain dangerously cold, and cold water shock is a very real danger.
‘Sudden immersion can cause an involuntary gasp, rapid breathing and panic, which can quickly lead to a loss of control in the water – even for strong swimmers.
‘We’re urging the public to choose lifeguarded locations wherever possible, where safety measures and supervision are in place.’
UV levels will also be high across much of the UK over the Bank Holiday weekend.
People enjoy the sunshine at the Strand Lido in Gillingham on Saturday
A visitor eats an ice cream and holds an umbrella to shelter from the sun at the Queen’s Joust medieval jousting competition during a heatwave at Leeds Castle near Maidstone, Kent
The UK Health Security Agency has activated a heat health alert until next Wednesday
Greg Dewhurst, senior operational meteorologist at the Met Office, said: ‘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.’
During the heatwave, people have been advised to keep their homes cool by closing windows and curtains in rooms that face the sun.
They should also seek shade and apply sunscreen regularly, and are advised to keep out of the sun between 11am and 3pm.
Physical activity such as exercising or walking a dog should take place in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler.
People have also been advised to look out for signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
Heat exhaustion symptoms include tiredness, feeling faint, intense thirst, heavy sweating, and feeling or being sick.
A couple walk to the backdrop of the lighthouse at Portland Bill, Dorset
Tourists take a selfie in the sunshine in front of the Queen Victoria Memorial at Buckingham Palace in London
Signs of heatstroke include confusion, lack of co-ordination, a fast heartbeat, hot skin that is not sweating, and seizures.
A heatstroke is a medical emergency and people are advised to call 999 if they believe someone is experiencing one, according to UKHSA.
The Bank Holiday is expected to see record-breaking temperatures as parts of the country brace for 33C heat.
However temperatures do not usually reach the 30C threshold until June or later each year, according to the Met Office.
The first records of 30C heat in both 2024 and 2025 were in June, while in some cooler or more unsettled years the threshold has not been reached until July or even August. It is unusual for May to deliver true summer heat.
The last time temperatures reached 30C in the month of May was in 2012 and before that in 2005.
