Brits urged not to walk dogs between 11am and 3pm on Monday | UK | News
Dog owners in the UK are advised not to walk their pets between 11am and 3pm on Monday 25 May. It comes as temperatures soared over the Spring Bank Holiday weekend, with the Met Office recording the hottest day of the year so far on Saturday 23 May.
The mercury reached 30.2C in Kent at Frittenden, making it the hottest day of 2026 and the hottest May temperature since 2012. The Met Office’s five-day forecast for the UK calls for “warm and sunny” weather between Monday and Wednesday, with “temperatures well above the seasonal average”. Meanwhile, the forecaster’s weather map shows overall temperatures at 30C and above at 1pm on Monday.
As temperatures rise, NHS Healthier Together, which provides trusted health guidance, advises people to “stay out of the sun between 11am and 3pm, the hottest time of the day”. The site adds that physical activities, including dog walking, should be done outside of these hours when the weather is cooler.
The site explains: “Very hot weather (heat waves) can have serious effects on our health, and unfortunately more people than usual become ill or die during these times.
“Anyone can be affected by hot weather, but older adults, young children, people with long-term health conditions and those taking some medications are most vulnerable.”
Temperatures in London will reach 31C by 1pm on Monday, according to the Met Office’s weather map. While Reading and Cambridge will see 31 degrees at the same time, Swindon, Banbury and Peterborough will also see 30 degrees.
The UK Health Safety Agency’s (UKHSA) yellow heat health alert will be in force for the East Midlands, East of England, South East and West Midlands until 5pm on Wednesday 27 May. The yellow alert also covers the North West, North East, South West and Yorkshire and the Humber, with warm temperatures set to persist throughout the weekend.
The Met Office UK outlook for Sunday says: “Fog clearing quickly, followed by uninterrupted strong sunshine for most. Much warmer with light winds and temperatures well above seasonal average. Cooler in many coastal areas. Maximum temperature 27C.”
From Monday to Wednesday (May 27), the forecaster adds: “Warm and sunny with uncomfortably hot nights for the vast majority. Sea breezes may bring some relief to some coastal areas at times. Temperatures are well above seasonal averages.”
The Met Office confirmed Saturday was the hottest day of the year so far. In a post on X they said: “Temperatures peaked at 30.5C in Frittenden, Kent today.
“This means the UK will surpass the 30°C threshold for the first time in 2026. It is very rare for the UK to record 30°C in May – the last time it happened was over a decade ago on 25 May 2012.”
