UK Braces for Record May Heatwave as Health Warnings Go Out Ahead of Bank Holiday

Health officials have sounded the alarm ahead of the bank holiday weekend, with forecasters predicting the hottest May day ever recorded in the UK. Temperatures could hit 33C (91F) in parts of southern England and the Midlands, potentially breaking a record that has stood since 1944. Amber heat health alerts—meaning there is a genuine risk to life, along with possible travel disruption, power outages, and property damage—have been issued for London, the East and West Midlands, the east of England, and the southeast. These warnings take effect from 2pm Friday and remain in place until 5pm Wednesday. Yellow alerts, which highlight significant strain on health and social services, have also been issued for the northeast, northwest, Yorkshire, the Humber region, and the southwest. The Met Office says Friday was already the hottest day of the year so far, with 26.9C recorded at Heathrow. The soaring temperatures are being driven by a shift in wind patterns, as strong jet-stream winds pull warm air up from hotter regions. This comes after one of the driest Aprils on record in central and southern England, which left rivers lower than usual. By Monday, the UK could be hotter than parts of the Mediterranean, including Rome, Athens, and Barcelona. Met Office deputy chief forecaster Steve Kocher warned that the existing May record of 32.8C, set in 1944 near London, West Sussex, and Kent, is likely to fall. Officials advise staying hydrated, avoiding direct sun between 11am and 3pm, wearing sunglasses, and steering clear of alcohol, caffeine, and hot drinks. Keep windows closed during the day and open them at night to let cooler air in.