UK braces for hottest day of the year as temperatures soar
Quick Look
- The UK is set for the hottest day of the year this bank holiday weekend, with temperatures expected to reach the low 30s Celsius.
- Amber heat health alerts are in effect for several regions, warning of potential impacts on health services and vulnerable groups.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Temperatures are expected to continue soaring across the UK during the bank holiday weekend, following the hottest day of the year so far on Saturday. Heatwave criteria are likely to be met in several locations, with amber heat health alerts in effect for parts of England.
Temperatures will continue to soar across the bank holiday weekend following the hottest day of the year so far on Saturday.
As of 14:00 BST, temperatures had reached 29.1C at Frittenden in Kent, beating the previous day's maximum temperature of 28.4C in London.
The heat is forecast to intensify throughout the long weekend, reaching heatwave criteria in a number of locations.
Daytime highs are forecast to reach the upper 20s Celsius in many areas, with the low 30s Celsius likely in the week ahead.
Saturday has been declared the hottest day of the year so far as temperatures continue to rise across the UK.
Average highs at this time of year are typically in the upper teens, but some spots may see values 10 degrees higher than normal.
The highest readings are expected across central and southern England and in parts of Wales.
Amber heat health alerts remain in effect for the Midlands, eastern and south-east England.
Amber alerts mean there is a risk of a significant impact across health and social care services, with children and those aged over 65 at risk of negative health implications.
The remainder of England is under yellow heat health alerts, meaning adverse weather is "likely to affect vulnerable groups".
It is likely that the first heatwaves of 2026 will be declared on Sunday as a number of areas are expected to reach their third day above the heatwave threshold, including in London and the south-east, as well as Cardiff.
Locally in the south Midlands and south-east England, it could hit 30C on Sunday, which would be relatively rare for May.
Days exceeding 30C - known as "very hot" days by the Met Office - used to be much rarer.
During the last decade, the number of these "very hot" days more than trebled compared with the 1961-1990 average, according to the Met Office.
The last time it reached 30C in May was in 2012.
Meanwhile, the cloud that has been lurking across southern Scotland and Northern Ireland should clear and whilst not as hot it will at least be sunny.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
First heatwaves of 2026 will be declared on Sunday.
Likely · Within days
Temperatures could hit 30C locally in the south Midlands and south-east England on Sunday.
Possible · Within days
Daytime highs to reach the low 30s Celsius in the week ahead.
Likely · Within weeks
Open Questions
- What specific health impacts are anticipated?
- What measures are being advised for the public?
- Will the heatwave extend beyond the upcoming week?
