NHS 11am ‘rule’ reminder as UK temperatures soar to 33C | UK | News
As temperatures rise across the UK, people are being reminded of an NHS-backed ‘rule’ they must follow. The reminder comes as the bank holiday weekend brings temperatures that could reach around 33 degrees in some parts of the country.
Over the long weekend (23-25 May), the Met Office is forecasting some of the hottest temperatures of 2026. Met Office deputy chief executive Steve Kocher said: “Temperatures will rise over the weekend, particularly in the south where 30C will be recorded on Saturday and 32C on Sunday.
“Temperatures are expected to peak on Monday, when we could see 33C recorded in southern 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 warm, there will be plenty of dry, sunny weather across much of the UK. However, Northern Ireland and western Scotland will see more clouds and showers over the weekend. With sea surface temperatures relatively low, light clouds and sea fog are also likely to develop near the west coast.”
Britons are being reminded to take precautions due to high temperatures. 11:00 ‘rule’ To keep themselves and others safe in hot weather. The NHS says: “Spend time in the shade when the sun is at its strongest. In the UK this is between 11am and 3pm from March to October.”
People can shade themselves in a variety of ways, including spending some time indoors when the heat gets too intense. Although it may seem counterintuitive, the house can stay cooler by closing the curtains in hot weather.
People can also check the UV index from a weather app or website. The NHS said: “If it’s three or higher, consider protecting your skin.”
While many people see the weather as an opportunity to soak up the sun, the NHS also reminds people that “there is no safe or healthy way to get a tan”.
Overexposure to the sun causes sunburn, which the NHS claims can “increase your risk of skin cancer”. The health service adds: “Sunburn doesn’t just happen on holiday. In the UK you can even get burned when it’s cloudy.”
Who should pay more attention to the sun?
Sun safety applies to everyone, but some groups need to take extra care when the weather is clear and sunny. People who should carefully follow the recommendations are:
- having pale, white, or light brown skin
- has freckles or red or blonde hair
- having light colored eyes
- prone to burning rather than tanning
- there are many moles
- you have skin problems due to a medical condition
- you are only occasionally exposed to intense sun (for example, when on holiday)
- You are in a hot country where the sun is particularly intense
- have a family history of skin cancer
The NHS says: “People who spend too much time in the sun, whether at work or play, have an increased risk of skin cancer if they don’t take the right precautions.
“If you have naturally brown or black skin, you’re less likely to get skin cancer because dark skin has some protection against UV rays. You may also need more time in sunlight to produce the same amount of vitamin D as people with light skin. But you should still avoid burning and be careful in the sun, because people of all skin tones can get skin cancer.”
