A wave of urgent health advisories has been released throughout the United Kingdom in anticipation of a scorching bank holiday heatwave with temperatures soaring up to 33C. The Met Office has projected that temperatures could hit 30C on Saturday, 32C on Sunday, and a sweltering 33C on Monday, potentially marking the highest temperature ever recorded in May.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has raised yellow heat warnings effective from 9 am today, highlighting the increased risk to vulnerable individuals in affected regions due to high temperatures. Nationwide temperatures are expected to peak at 27C today and are forecasted to climb even higher over the bank holiday weekend.
Yellow heat alerts are currently in effect from today, May 22, until May 27 in regions including the East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England, London, and the South East. The warnings indicate potential impacts on healthcare and social services, heightened health risks for vulnerable populations, and a likelihood of indoor spaces becoming excessively warm.
Meteorologist Tom Morgan from the Met Office has indicated a 40% possibility of the southern part of England reaching 33C on Sunday, breaking the previous May temperature record set at 32.8C in Camden Square, London, in 1922. Weekend temperatures are anticipated to surpass heatwave thresholds, varying from 25C to 28C across different counties for three consecutive days.
Steve Kocher, the Met Office’s deputy chief forecaster, cautioned that aside from the heat, the UK is set to experience predominantly dry and sunny weather throughout the country. Kocher predicted that temperatures will rise progressively over the weekend, particularly in the southern regions where 30C is probable on Saturday and 32C on Sunday. The peak is expected on Monday, with 33C projected in southern England and the Midlands.
Kocher also mentioned the likelihood of breaking the May and Spring UK temperature records over the Bank Holiday weekend, surpassing the existing record of 32.8C. While most areas will enjoy dry and sunny weather, Northern Ireland and western Scotland may experience some cloud cover and showers. Additionally, due to relatively low sea surface temperatures, coastal regions may encounter low-lying cloud cover and sea fog.
