UK records hottest day of year as forecasters warn of more extreme heat | UK weather

The UK has recorded its hottest day of the year so far, with temperatures reaching 30.5°C in Kent, as forecasters warn more extreme heat could follow over the bank holiday weekend.

Temperatures in Frittenden reached 30C in May for the first time in the UK since 2012, according to the Met Office.

Forecasters expect the warm weather to continue and the UK likely to see its hottest May day on record on Monday. Temperatures can reach 33 degrees in southern England and the Midlands.

The Met Office said temperatures were expected to be around 31°C in the south and 26°C in the north on Sunday afternoon.

The current May temperature record is 32.8C, set in 1922 at Camden Square in north London, in 1944 at Horsham in West Sussex, Tunbridge Wells in Kent and Regent’s Park in central London.

UV levels will also be high across much of the UK over the bank holiday weekend, with a UV index of seven expected in Manchester on Sunday.

Met Office senior meteorologist Greg Dewhurst told the Press Association: “High pressure will dominate throughout the 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.”

The UK Health Safety Agency (UKHSA) has issued yellow heat health warnings for the East Midlands, West Midlands, east of England, London and the south-east.

The warnings will remain in force until 5pm on Wednesday and will replace the milder yellow warnings previously issued.

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.

A yellow alert has been issued for the north-east and northwest of England, Yorkshire and the Humber, and the south-west.