The UK has recorded its hottest day of the year so far, with temperatures climbing to 30.5°C in Frittenden, Kent, as forecasters warned that an even more intense spell of heat is likely over the bank holiday weekend.
According to the Met Office, this is the first time since May 2012 that temperatures in Britain have crossed the 30°C mark during the month of May, an unusually early surge in summer heat.
Weather experts now say the country could witness its hottest May day ever on Monday, with temperatures expected to touch 33°C across southern England and parts of the Midlands, The Guardian reported.
UK braces for first heatwave of 2026
The hot conditions are expected to continue through Sunday, with temperatures likely to reach 31°C in southern England while northern regions could see highs of around 26°C.
Several parts of England and Wales are also likely to officially enter “heatwave” territory, after recording three consecutive days above regional heat thresholds. Areas including London, the south-east and Cardiff are expected to meet the criteria.
The current UK record for the hottest May day stands at 32.8°C, recorded in Camden Square, London, in 1922 and matched in multiple locations during the Late May Bank Holiday of 1944.
Amber heat alerts issued across England
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued amber heat-health alerts for London, the South East, East Midlands, West Midlands and eastern England, warning of increased health risks due to the extreme temperatures.
The alerts, which remain in force until Wednesday evening, indicate a possible rise in deaths among vulnerable groups, particularly the elderly and people with existing health conditions. Authorities also warned of mounting pressure on healthcare and social care services.
Yellow alerts are in place for other parts of England, including the north-east, north-west, Yorkshire and the south-west.
UV levels spike as sunshine dominates
Meteorologists said high pressure systems would dominate the weather pattern throughout the long weekend, bringing widespread sunshine and dry conditions.
“Plenty of very warm sunshine across England and Wales each day,” Met Office senior meteorologist Greg Dewhurst said, while noting that Scotland and Northern Ireland could see more cloud cover and isolated showers in the north-west.
UV levels are also expected to remain high, with cities such as Manchester forecast to hit a UV index of seven on Sunday.
Climate change linked to rising ‘very hot’ days
The Met Office noted that days exceeding 30°C — classified as “very hot” in the UK, were once relatively rare but have become increasingly common in recent decades.
During the last decade, the number of such days reportedly more than tripled compared to the 1961–1990 average, a trend scientists link to human-driven climate change.
Forecasters expect the unusually hot spell to persist into next week, with temperatures potentially climbing back towards the high 20s and low 30s even after a brief midweek cooldown.
