Parts of the UK have experienced heatwave conditions over the bank holiday weekend, with the hottest May day on record expected to come on Monday.
Temperatures are forecast to reach 35C in London and parts of the southeast of England — higher than the UK’s current May temperature record of 32.8C.
“Today will be the hottest day in May in the UK in our temperature records, with highs of 35C expected,” a Met Office spokesperson said. “Records are usually only broken by tenths of a degree, making this heatwave unprecedented for the time of year.”
Highs of between 30C and 34C are expected widely across swathes of England, and will continue into Tuesday, where temperatures are again forecast to hit 35C.
A heatwave was officially declared in eight locations in southeast England, which met the threshold of 27C for three consecutive days of hot weather.
Amber heat health alerts have been issued for the east Midlands, west Midlands, eastern England, London, and the South East.
Officials warned that the hot weather could cause significant impacts across health and social care services.
How long is the heatwave forecast to last?
Following the expected heatwave on Saturday, Sunday and Monday, temperatures were expected to begin to drop on Tuesday.
However, the Met Office are now forecasting that Tuesday will also see highs of 35C in London.
On Wednesday, the highest temperatures are forecast to be in southwest England and south Wales, hitting 28C in the afternoon.
Here’s what the Met Office has forecast over the coming days:
Monday
Temperatures will quickly rise across England and Wales today, turning very hot for many with strong sunshine and light winds. Cloudier and fresher across northern Scotland and parts of Northern Ireland with patchy light rain at times.
Monday evening
Staying dry and warm into the evening. Clear skies holding on across England and Wales with a warm night to come. Fresher in Northern Ireland and Scotland with patchy cloud.
Tuesday
Another sunny and mostly dry day across England and Wales as the heatwave continues. A small chance of a few heavy, thundery showers in the afternoon. Fresher in northern Scotland.
Outlook for Wednesday to Friday
Turning fresher in the east with an onshore breeze, but staying very warm elsewhere. Largely dry, although a few showers are possible at times.
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