Met Office sends warning as UK to sizzle in 30C sunshine today – before rising to 33C blowtorch heat over Bank Holiday weekend as week-long heatwave continues

Yellow and amber weather warnings have been issued ahead of the Bank Holiday period as the UK heatwave continues following Saturday, the hottest day of the year.

Temperatures are expected to reach 30°C on Sunday in some parts of the country, while temperatures are expected to rise to 33°C on Monday and Tuesday, hotter than the Seychelles.

However, parts of western Scotland and Northern Ireland will experience cooler temperatures, with clouds and rain expected.

Met Office deputy chief forecaster Steve Kocher said: ‘Temperatures will rise over the weekend, particularly in the south, where highs are expected to be recorded at 30C on Saturday and 32C on Sunday.

‘Temperatures are forecast to peak on Monday, where we could see 33C recorded across the south of England and the Midlands.

‘May and spring UK temperature records are likely to be broken over the Bank Holiday weekend, with forecast temperatures exceeding the current record of 32.8C.

‘As well as being hot, there will be plenty of dry, sunny weather across much of the UK.

‘But there will be more clouds and showers across Northern Ireland and western Scotland throughout the weekend.

‘Due to relatively low sea surface temperatures, some low cloud and sea fog are also likely to occur near the western coast.’

A UK heatwave is official when a location records at least three consecutive days of daily maximum temperatures meeting or exceeding a certain threshold, which varies by location.

The current May temperature record is 32.8C, recorded at Camden Square on 22 May 1922 and also at Horsham, Tunbridge Wells and Regent’s Park on 29 May 1944.

The UK Health Safety Agency (UKHSA) has issued yellow heat-health warnings for four regions of England.

He warned that high temperatures during the Bank Holiday could put vulnerable people at greater risk.

Health and social care services are preparing to prepare for more warnings as temperatures rise in the summer months.

Yellow temperature health warnings have been issued for the south-west and north of England.

According to the UKHSA website, the warnings mean there could be an ‘increase in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with underlying health conditions’, and there will be increased demand for all health and social care services.

Dr Anya Gopfert from the UKHSA said: ‘We know that even moderate temperatures can cause serious health problems, especially for older people and people with certain health problems, so it’s important for everyone to take simple precautions as they enjoy the warm weather in the coming days.

‘If you have more vulnerable friends, family or neighbours, it’s important to check in on them and make sure they’re aware of the forecast and following the necessary advice.’

People enjoying the warm weather at Sunny Sands beach in Folkestone, Kent

People sit in the sun and enjoy a drink by the River Thames in Richmond

Due to the continuing danger of cold water shock, warnings were also made for people who entered the water while cooling off at the weekend.

The Met Office said beachgoers heading to the coast should be careful that sea surface temperatures are not as high as in mid-summer.

Current sea surface temperatures range from 9°C around Scotland to 13°C in south-west England, although temperatures have reached 30°C in some parts of the country.

Ashley Jones, head of water safety and education at the Royal Life Saving Society UK, said: ‘As temperatures rise, it is important that people do not underestimate the risks associated with entering open water.

‘Even during a heatwave the water will remain dangerously cold and cold water shock is a very real danger.

‘Sudden submersion can cause involuntary breathing, rapid breathing and panic, which can quickly lead to loss of control in the water even for strong swimmers.

‘We urge the public to choose lifeguard sites wherever possible where safety measures and supervision are in place.’

UV levels will also be high across much of the UK over the Bank Holiday weekend.

People enjoy the sun at Strand Lido in Gillingham on Saturday

A visitor eating ice cream and holding an umbrella for protection from the sun at the Queen’s Joust medieval jousting competition during a heatwave at Leeds Castle near Maidstone, Kent

UK Health Safety Agency activates heat health alert until next Wednesday

Met Office senior operational meteorologist Greg Dewhurst said: ‘High pressure will dominate throughout the entire Bank Holiday weekend.

‘There is plenty of warm sunshine every day in England and Wales.

‘Scotland and Northern Ireland will see more clouds at times, while north-west Scotland will see a few showers.’

During the heatwave, people were advised to keep their homes cool by closing windows and curtains in sun-facing rooms.

They should also seek shade and apply sunscreen regularly, and are advised to stay out of the sun between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Physical activities, such as exercising or walking the dog, should be done in the morning or evening when temperatures are lower.

People were also advised to watch for signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion include fatigue, feeling faint, intense thirst, excessive sweating, and feeling or being sick.

A couple walks towards the background of the lighthouse at Portland Bill in Dorset

Tourists take selfies in the sunlight in front of the Queen Victoria Memorial at Buckingham Palace in London

Symptoms of heatstroke include confusion, lack of coordination, rapid heartbeat, hot skin that does not sweat, and seizures.

According to the UKHSA, heatstroke is a medical emergency and people are advised to call 999 if they think someone is experiencing heatstroke.

While some parts of the country are preparing for 33C heat, record temperatures are expected to be seen during the Public Holiday period.

But temperatures generally don’t reach the 30C threshold until June or later each year, according to the Met Office.

The first records of 30°C temperatures in both 2024 and 2025 were recorded in June; In cooler or more unstable years, this threshold was not reached until July or even August. It’s unusual for May to offer true summer heat.

The last time temperatures reached 30°C in May was 2012, and before that in 2005.