The UK is bracing for the hottest day of the year so far, with forecasters predicting temperatures could hit 30C at the earliest point in the year ever.
It could be the warmest start to May ever recorded, according to the Met Office - beating the 27.4C set on 1 May 1990 in Lossiemouth, Scotland.
Meteorologist Michael Silverstone said temperatures could climb to “29C or even 30C”.
He added: “If we reach 30C on Thursday, it will be the earliest date in May that the UK has seen 30C since our records began in 1860.”
The earliest in the year the mercury has risen to 30C in the UK previously was on May 12 in 1945.
The week’s weather has already seen temperatures climb higher than in Greece and Spain. The Met Office said temperatures reached 26.7C in Wisley, Surrey on Wednesday – making it the warmest day of the year so far.
Key Points
- Temperatures could break record set in 1945
- Where in the UK will see temperatures reach 30C?
- London Fire Brigade warn against open-water swimming
- Heightened risk of wildfires in London
UK weather map: Where temperatures could hit record-breaking 30C today
10:45 , Rebecca WhittakerTemperatures are expected to be hottest in London and the south of England.
By contrast, cloud and showers have been forecast to move southeast across Scotland and Northern Ireland into northern England.
Read more here:
UK weather map: Where temperatures could hit record-breaking 30C today
Pictured: Wildlife in Richmond Park as heatwave hits London
10:30 , Rebecca Whittaker
Heightened risk of wildfires in London
10:10 , Rebecca WhittakerLondon Fire Brigade (LFB) have warned of a heightened risk of wildfires.
Disposable BBQs, rubbish and cigarettes are all a fire risk.
London Fire Brigade Assistant Commissioner, Patrick Goulbourne, said: “Londoners are set to enjoy the warm weather this week, but we’re urging everyone to stay safe and take extra care outdoors.
“The recent spell of high temperatures, combined with below-average rainfall this spring, has significantly increased the risk of grass and wildfires in the capital. Dry conditions mean that if a fire does start, it can spread quickly and unpredictably.
“We’re asking the public to help protect our parks and open spaces by taking simple but vital precautions. This includes avoiding the use of barbecues - especially disposable ones - in open areas and on balconies, properly disposing of all rubbish, and taking care with cigarettes.
“We’re also working closely with local authorities and other partners to manage outdoor fire risks and ensure safety advice is being followed."
The hot weather this week means there is a heightened risk of grass fires and wildfires in London 🔥
— London Fire Brigade (@LondonFire) April 30, 2025
Please don't take a disposable BBQ with you to the park and be careful how you dispose of your rubbish and cigarettes ⚠️
More top tips: https://t.co/q1dfEfAqXd pic.twitter.com/mMNxss4lNe
London Fire Brigade issue water safety tips
10:00 , Rebecca WhittakerHere are the London Fire Brigade’s (LFB) top water safety tips as it urges caution around open-water swimming.
Don't make a splash, stay safe around water. Always remember:
- Don’t go into the water if someone else is in trouble – call London Fire Brigade or the Coast Guard
- Never drink alcohol and then go for a swim or attempt to jump into water
- Avoid walking/running near water on your own or late at night - it’s easier than you think to slip and fall in
Float to live:
- Take a minute. The initial effects of cold water pass in less than a minute – don’t try to swim straight away.
- Relax and float on your back to catch your breath.
- Try to get hold of something that will help you float.
- Keep calm then call for help or swim to safety if you are able.
If you go into the water to rescue people, pets or belongings, you could be putting yourself at risk as well.
Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service respond to death of teenager
09:52 , Rebecca WhittakerGroup Manager Tom Staples, of Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Despite the tireless efforts of all the emergency services involved, we are deeply saddened to confirm that the body of a 16-year-old boy has been recovered at Colwick Country Park.
“On behalf of the Service, and personally, I would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to the boy’s family and friends during this incredibly difficult time.
“This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the hidden dangers of open water. We urge everyone to take care around lakes, rivers, and other natural bodies of water.”
Warning against open water swimming as body found in lake
09:45 , Rebecca WhittakerA body has been found during the search for a 16-year-old boy who went missing.
The boy got into difficulty while swimming in a lake at Colwick County Park in Nottingham on Wednesday.
Emergency services were called to the park at 5.20pm on Wednesday.
A rescue operation which involved a police underwater search team and Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, led to the discovery of his body shortly before 8pm.
The boy’s family have been informed of the development and are now being supported by specially-trained officers following the incident.
Chief Inspector David Mather, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “Emergency services have sadly recovered the body of a teenage boy from the lake, despite the best efforts of rescue teams.
“This is a tragic discovery and our thoughts are with this boy's family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.
“While work is now underway to understand how the boy came into difficulty, I would like to take this opportunity to highlight this case as a reminder of the devastating consequences of entering open water – regardless of whether people do so deliberately or inadvertently.
“As in this tragic case, open water can have hidden dangers that can prove fatal and I would urge anyone who spends any time on or near open water to use this case as a devastating reminder of that – particularly during the recent warm weather we have been experiencing.”
The boy’s death is not being treated as suspicious and a file will now be prepared for the Coroner.
It comes as the weather is expected to hit 30C today in parts of the South East and many people have rushed to the coast and open water to cool down with a swim.
However, the London Fire Brigade has warned people against open-water swimming after a 32 per cent increase in water-related incidents last month compared with the same period last year.
Why has the Met Office ruled out a heatwave?
09:40 , Rebecca WhittakerDespite the soaring temperatures, the Met Office has ruled out a heatwave this week.
That’s because a heatwave is defined a three consecutive days of temperatures exceeding the “heatwave threshold”, which varies across the country, according to Meteorologist Michael Silverstone.
The threshold is 25C for most of the UK, rising to 28C in London.
“Admittedly, it could be close for a few places in the South, though, with temperatures either today or Friday only just failing to exceed the required threshold,” he added.
The warm weather could also challenge the record for the highest April temperature in Wales, which is 26.2C.
But its not set to last as temperatures are expected to ease by Friday, and Saturday will bring cooler conditions of 14C to 18C across the UK.
BREAKING: Body found in lake in search for British teenager
09:36 , Rebecca WhittakerA body has been found in the search for a 16-year-old boy who got into difficulty while swimming in a lake at Colwick Country Park, Nottingham, on Wednesday, Nottinghamshire Police said.
How long will the UK’s mini heatwave last?
09:30 , Rebecca WhittakerPictured: Students take May Day dip
09:20 , Rebecca WhittakerStudents from the University of St Andrews take part in the traditional May Day Dip on the East Sands in St Andrews, Fife.
Plunging into the freezing North Sea at dawn on the first of May is said to promote good luck in exams.
Although temperatures are not predicted to reach the highs we're expecting in England today, Fife is set to hit 19C.
Large wildfire in the Peak District
09:10 , Rebecca WhittakerFirefighters are at the scene of a large wildfire in the Peak District.
Crews were sent to the blaze near Errwood Reservoir in the Goyt Valley after a call around lunchtime yesterday and fire engines were deployed.
Large plumes of smoke were visible across the area.
Members of the public have been warned to avoid the area and told keep doors and windows closed.
Update 21.45hrs 30.4.25
— Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service (@DerbyshireFRS) April 30, 2025
Firefighters will shortly be withdrawing from the scene of a moorland fire near Errwood Reservoir due to failing light.
One crew will remain overnight.
Reinspection is scheduled for 06.00 hours tomorrow.
Please remember to keep all windows & doors closed pic.twitter.com/vJhJyDiJEP
Briton will be hotter than Greece and Italy
09:00 , Rebecca WhittakerBritons are bracing for temperatures hotter than most of Europe.
Malta is set to see high’s of 23C, Cyprus could reach 25C and mainland Greece 22C.
Rome is forecast to see maximum temperatures of 27C.
But that’s still two degrees below the 29C forecast in the UK.
London Fire Brigade warn against open-water swimming
08:38 , Rebecca WhittakerThe London Fire Brigade (LFB) has urged caution around open-water swimming after a 32 per cent increase in water-related incidents last month compared with the same period last year.
Craig Carter, LFB assistant commissioner for prevention and protection, said: “Even when the sun is shining, water temperatures can be dangerously cold. Cold water shock can affect anyone, no matter how fit or experienced they are.
“It can lead to water inhalation and, in the worst cases, drowning. Be particularly careful near the water’s edge, it’s easy to slip and fall unexpectedly. And think twice before jumping into open water.”
Where in the UK will see temperatures reach 30C?
08:35 , Rebecca WhittakerThe Met Office said temperatures reached 26.7C in Wisley, Surrey on Wednesday – making it the warmest day of the year so far.
The previous high was 24.5C in St James’s Park, London, on Monday, which reached 24.7C on Tuesday.
Today the south east may reach 30C.
Will you need the sunscreen or an umbrella tomorrow? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/jJACZQT6Cf
— Met Office (@metoffice) April 30, 2025
Temperatures could break record set in 1945
08:30 , Rebecca WhittakerThe UK is set to face the hottest start to May on record, with with forecasters predicting temperatures to hit 30C.
If it does reach this temperature, which it is likely to in the south east, it will be the hottest ever recorded in the UK.
The previous earliest date it reached temperatures as high as this was 12 May 1945
Meteorologist Michael Silverstone said temperatures could climb to “29C or even 30C”.
He added: “If we reach 30C on Thursday, it will be the earliest date in May that the UK has seen 30C since our records began in 1860.”
