An amber health warning has been extended by 24 hours for several regions in England as temperatures are expected to soar to 35C on what could be the hottest May day since records began.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said amber alerts for the South West, South East, London, East and West Midlands and the East of England will remain in place until 5pm on Thursday May 28, along with yellow alerts for the North West and North East.
The alerts had previously been in place until 5pm on Wednesday May 27, while the yellow alert issued for the South West has also been escalated to amber.
On Monday, the UK experienced its provisional all-time hottest meteorological spring temperature on record when Kew Gardens in south-west London hit 34.8C.
The hottest May temperature could be broken again on Tuesday with highs of 35C forecast across large swathes of southern England and Wales – which could even creep up to 36C, the Met Office said.
But the heat could be reduced because thunderstorm warnings have been issued for parts of the South West, West Midlands, East Midlands and East of England between 3pm and 10pm on Tuesday.
Isolated thunderstorms with lightning, hail and gusty winds are expected, the Met Office said, while there is potential for 30mm of rain in less than an hour.
The RAC has warned drivers to ensure their windscreen wipers are fit for purpose ahead of the storms.
“With thunderstorms forecast which could result in 30mm of rain in less than an hour, it’s vital windscreen wipers are fit for purpose,” a spokesperson for the breakdown service said.
“We were particularly concerned by reports at the weekend about an increase in the number of motorists around England and Wales who were prosecuted for not maintaining their windscreen wipers, something which is crucial during a thunderstorm.”
The RAC had a 20% increase in car breakdowns over the bank holiday, the spokesperson added.
The UK experienced a “tropical night” on Monday as the record for the warmest minimum temperature for May was broken for the second consecutive day.
Temperatures did not fall below 20C overnight on Monday in parts of the UK, with 21.3C recorded at Kenley Airfield, south London.
Met Office chief forecaster Andy Page said the “exceptional” late-spring heat will continue for much of this week, with more “tropical nights” expected.
“Last night provisionally recorded the warmest May night on record, and we’re likely to see further very warm nights in the south over the coming days,” he said.
“There is a chance a few places will experience a ‘tropical night’ in the south of England and in Wales tonight, which is where temperatures don’t fall below 20C.”
The highest temperatures will shift westwards on Wednesday, with northern areas feeling more of the warmth on Thursday, Mr Page said.
Temperatures will return to near-normal by Sunday and there will be an increased chance of showers, he added.
Chair of UKHospitality Kate Nicholls said the hot spell has provided a “welcome lift” to the hospitality industry amid a tough economic outlook.
“This week’s spell of sunshine and hot weather has no doubt provided a welcome lift for hospitality venues up and down the country, as people look to eat, drink and socialise outdoors,” she said.
“Businesses will be hoping for a strong summer to help counterbalance the significant cost pressures they’re contending with. I’d encourage everyone to support their local hospitality businesses this summer.”
A spokesperson for Bournemouth and Poole Tourism said the bank holiday weekend had been “exceptionally busy” for the area, adding: “The atmosphere was phenomenal.”
Meanwhile, the AA warned that the interior of vehicles can reach 60C on a day when the outside temperature is 27C.
The heat is considered to be dangerous for some vulnerable groups including older adults as their bodies struggle to regulate temperature.
Age UK recommended staying inside during the hottest hours of the day, between 11am and 3pm, and having regular cold baths or showers.
