Health alerts for bank holiday weekend as record May heat forecast in UK | UK weather
Amber heat health warnings have been issued for the bank holiday weekend as record-breaking May temperatures of up to 33C (91F) are expected in parts of the UK.
The warnings, which indicate possible risk to life as well as possible damage to property, significant travel delays and power outages, have been issued for the East Midlands, West Midlands, east of England, London and the south-east and will be in force from 2pm on Friday until 5pm on Wednesday.
Yellow alerts have also been issued for the north-east and north-west of England, Yorkshire and the Humber, and south-west England; This has potentially significant impacts on health and social services, as well as putting life at risk for anyone over the age of 75 or with existing health problems.
The UK is forecast to experience its hottest day ever in May over the long weekend; This marginally exceeds the 32.8C recorded in parts of London, West Sussex and Kent on 29 May 1944, more than 80 years ago. The Met Office said Friday was the hottest day of the year so far, with temperatures at Heathrow reaching 26.9C in the early afternoon.
Warmer air is attributed to the change in wind direction, strong jet stream winds shifting northward and bringing warmer air from warmer places. This follows one of central and southern England’s driest Aprils on record, which left river levels below normal.
The highest temperature in the UK, expected to occur in the south of England or the Midlands on Monday, is likely to be warmer than many parts of the Mediterranean, including Rome, Athens and Barcelona.
Met Office deputy chief Steve Kocher said: “Temperatures will rise over the weekend, particularly in the south, with 30°C expected to be recorded on Saturday and 32°C on Sunday. “We are expected to see temperatures peak on Monday and see 33°C recorded in the south of England and the Midlands.
“It is likely that May and spring UK temperature records will be broken over the bank holiday weekend, with forecast temperatures exceeding the current record of 32.8C. As well as being warm, there will be plenty of dry, sunny weather across much of the UK. However, there will be more clouds and showers over Northern Ireland and Western Scotland over the weekend. With sea surface temperatures remaining relatively low, some clouds and sea fog are also likely near the west coast.”
The public is advised to stay hydrated; Do not spend too much time in direct sunlight, especially between 11:00 and 15:00; Wear sunglasses and avoid alcohol, caffeine and hot drinks whenever possible. Windows should be closed during the day and opened at night to allow cold air in.
