The Met Office expects an official heatwave as temperatures rise to 33C over the Bank Holiday weekend.
Forecasters from the national weather agency say the mercury could rise as high as 30C on Saturday, 32C on Sunday, and 33C on Monday. This would mean we see the hottest ever temperature for May, as the current record is 32.8C.
The south-east of England is expected to be the hottest region, although official heatwave conditions could also be reached in central England, western England and parts of Wales, according to the Met Office. An official heatwave is declared when temperatures rise above the heatwave threshold for three consecutive days. The threshold varies from 25C to 28C across different counties.
New UpdatesView PostView PostView PostToday20:08 BST
BBC Weather states: “Saturday may see the odd shower in the south-east. Cloud and some drizzle in the north-west but sunny elsewhere.
“On Sunday and Monday, most will have sunny spells once early fog in the west lifts, but coastal areas may see low cloud linger. Cloudier with light rain in the north. Very warm or hot, but cooler in the north-west.”
Ethan BlackshawToday20:01 BST
The Met Office says temperatures could rise to 28C in southern areas tomorrow. Highs of 25C are expected in northern areas.
The mercury will then rise to 30C on Saturday, 32C on Sunday and 33C on Monday, the Met Office predicts.
Ethan BlackshawToday19:50 BST
An official heatwave is declared when we have three consecutive days where temperatures anywhere in the country surpass the heatwave threshold.
The threshold varies from 28C to 25C in different counties – meaning this weekend will smash through it.
Map showing heatwave threshold across UK(Image: Met Office)
Today19:46 BST
“Although winds are expected to turn more southerly by the end of the week, the rise in temperatures is not primarily due to hot air being transported directly from southern Europe or North Africa,” the Met Office said.
“Instead, the main driver of the warming trend is the development of high pressure over and near the UK. As this high-pressure strengthens, it causes sinking air in the atmosphere. This descending air is compressed as it moves downward, leading to warming through a process known as adiabatic compression.”
Ethan BlackshawToday19:41 BST
The Met Office has issued tips for keeping cool during the upcoming Bank Holiday heatwave.
- Keep out of the sun and avoid any exercise between 11am to 3pm when the sun is the strongest
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Close your curtains in rooms that face the sun
- If you are going out, take water with you, keep in the shade, wear sunscreen and wear a wide brimmed hat
People are urged to keep curtains closed(Image: Getty)
Record-breaking temperatures this weekend follow a study published last summer by Met Office scientists found that the chances of surpassing the May temperature record set in 1944 have been increasing as our climate changes.
The study found that breaking the 32.8C May record is around three times more likely now in our current climate than it would have been in a natural climate not impacted by greenhouse gas emissions. What was around a 1-in-100 year event is now around a 1-in-33 year event.
Ethan Blackshaw
Today19:32 BST
Advanced weather forecasting maps suggest 21 counties could face temperatures of 30C or above on Monday.
You can find the full list here.
21 counties are set for temperatures of 30C or above
The British Red Cross has issued advice to Brits as temperatures are set to surge above 30C.
Dafydd Beech, National Community Education Manager at the British Red Cross, said: “As we come into the summer months, warm weather gives us a chance to get out a bit more and enjoy ourselves. It’s important to take care while you have fun with friends and family to avoid becoming dehydrated, getting sun burn or even heat stroke.
“Getting into the habit of taking steps whenever temperatures rise can really help. It can be simple things like wearing sunscreen, drinking plenty of fluids or ensuring you take breaks from the sun. Building these habits early means people are better prepared if hotter weather lasts longer.”
Ethan BlackshawToday19:26 BST
Despite the blistering 33C heat, the Met Office says some regions will see “cloud” and “showers”.
Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Steve Kocher said: “As well as it being hot, there will be lots of dry and sunny weather for much of the UK.
“There will however be more cloud and some showers in Northern Ireland and western Scotland through the weekend.
“With relatively low sea surface temperatures there is also likely to be some low cloud and sea fog clinging closely to western coasts.”
Ethan Blackshaw
Today19:23 BST
Temperatures peaked at above 24C in the UK today. However, the Met Office says it will feel “even warmer” tomorrow!
Ethan BlackshawToday19:20 BST
The Met Office says two parts of the country could see 33C heat over the Bank Holiday weekend.
Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Steve Kocher said: “Temperatures will climb through the weekend, especially in the south, where 30C is likely to be recorded on Saturday and 32C on Sunday. Temperatures are forecast to peak on Monday when we could see 33C recorded in southern England and the Midlands.”
Ethan BlackshawToday19:19 BST
The Met Office has shared weather maps showing where in the UK will see the hottest temperatures over the Bank Holiday weekend.
The mercury is set to rise the highest in the south-east of England.
Ethan Blackshaw
Today19:15 BST
The Met Office expects temperatures to reach 33C on Monday – which would constitute a new record for May.
“It is likely that the May and Spring UK temperature records will be broken over the Bank Holiday weekend, with forecast temperatures surpassing the existing record of 32.8C,” Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Steve Kocher said.
This comes after a study published last summer by Met Office scientists found the chances of surpassing the May temperature record set in 1944 have been increasing as our climate changes.
The study found that breaking the 32.8C May record is around three times more likely now in our current climate than it would have been in a natural climate not impacted by greenhouse gas emissions. What was around a 1-in-100 year event is now around a 1-in-33 year event.