As the Bank Holiday weekend approaches, the Met Office forecasts a potential heatwave with temperatures reaching up to 33C. The weather agency anticipates a climb to 30C on Saturday, followed by 32C on Sunday and a scorching 33C on Monday, potentially breaking the record for the hottest May temperature of 32.8C.
The south-east of England is expected to experience the highest temperatures, with the possibility of heatwave conditions also spreading to central and western England, as well as parts of Wales. An official heatwave is declared when temperatures exceed the threshold for three consecutive days, which ranges from 25C to 28C across different regions.
While rare, temperatures hitting 30°C in May have occurred before in the UK. Records show instances of exceptionally high temperatures during the month, with the highest recorded temperature in May being 32.8°C. Notable occurrences include readings in Greater London in 1922 and across southeast England in 1944.
The Met Office advises on staying safe in the water as temperatures soar, emphasizing the importance of understanding local conditions and using resources like their weather app. The forecast indicates temperatures could peak at 33C on Monday, with various regions experiencing heat health alerts and the need for precautions to prevent heat-related issues.