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A significant heatwave is anticipated to be officially declared over parts of the UK this Sunday, as an unusual period of warm weather during May continues to strengthen. On Saturday, the highest temperature recorded this year so far—30.5°C—was observed at Frittenden in Kent. This surge in temperatures raises the possibility of setting new national records for May temperatures during the upcoming bank holiday Monday.
The tourism and hospitality sectors are benefiting from the sunny and warm conditions; however, the extended duration of the heatwave raises health concerns for some individuals. Amber heat-health alerts are currently active across regions including the Midlands and eastern England and are expected to remain in place until at least Wednesday.
The definition of a heatwave in the UK depends on local climate norms, as outlined by the Met Office. In regions such as Scotland, Northern Ireland, much of Wales, and northern England, heatwave status is achieved when temperatures reach or exceed 25°C for three consecutive days. In many other parts of England and southeast Wales, the threshold ranges between 26°C and 27°C, while in London, the home counties, and Cambridgeshire, it is set at 28°C. Given these criteria, many locations are likely to be officially categorized as experiencing a heatwave once Sunday’s temperature data is confirmed, with some areas potentially entering a prolonged heatwave period.
Saturday marked the earliest day since 1952 that temperatures reached 30°C in the UK. Forecasts for bank holiday Monday indicate that temperatures could climb further, possibly breaking the existing May record high of 32.8°C, which was set in 1944 at Tunbridge Wells, Horsham, and Central London. Some parts of southeast England may see temperatures surpassing 33°C. Additionally, the May night-time temperature record of 18.9°C, recorded in Folkestone in 1947, could also be challenged if temperatures remain high overnight. Despite these hot conditions in much of England and Wales, parts of northwest Scotland will experience cooler weather, including occasional rain and temperatures in the low teens. Elsewhere in Scotland and Northern Ireland, temperatures are expected to rise to the mid-20s Celsius by midweek but will remain on the milder side. Coastal areas may feel cooler due to sea breezes, though UV levels are anticipated to remain high regardless of air temperature.
According to the Met Office’s State of the UK Climate report, climate change has contributed to a notable increase in hotter days, with the number of days exceeding 28°C more than doubling, and those over 30°C more than tripling in the last decade compared to averages from 1961 to 1990. This suggests that the frequency of heatwaves like the current one is becoming more common in the UK’s changing climate
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