Britain is getting an unusually severe heatwave this Spring Bank Holiday weekend, with forecasters predicting the hottest May day the country has seen in decades, and temperatures above 30C. With millions of people in the midst of their long weekend, enjoying time outdoors, health officials have cautioned about the dangers of the extreme heat.
The warm spell came just in time for the late May bank holiday with sunshine and rising temperatures for many areas of England and Wales. The Met Office reported several regions became heatwave as high temperatures were felt for three days in a row. Parts of southern and eastern England have been the hottest, with temperatures exceeding 32°C in some areas. Parts of the UK may even hit highs of 33C to 35C by Bank Holiday Monday, says forecasters, which could shatter longstanding May temperature records.
Hot weather means that beaches, parks and public spaces are busy with visitors on vacation. The bright sunshine has boosted attendance numbers at outdoor events and festivals, whilst coastal destinations like Brighton, Bournemouth and Dover have reported high numbers. But officials have cautioned the public that, despite the warm air, the sea is still cold and swimmers could experience cold-water shock.
Health agencies have also expressed concerns about the effects of the heat, especially on at-risk populations. Amber heat-health warnings were issued in London, the Midlands and southeast England, and were issued to warn that older people, young children and those with underlying medical conditions could be at greater risk to health.
Due to the heat, officials recommended residents maintain hydration, avoid direct sunlight in the hottest part of the day, wear light clothing and cool indoor places, if possible.
The Met Office said the extreme temperatures were caused by high pressure in the weather systems, which meant warm air and sunshine could prevail over most of the UK. Climate change is also making heatwaves more likely in the spring, experts said. In recent studies, researchers have found that record-breaking May temperatures are now much more likely than in previous decades.
The extreme heat has taken many Brits by surprise during the bank holiday, but the weather experts say it could come to an end soon. The prospect of cooler weather and thunderstorms is forecast to reach parts of the area later this week, following one of the hottest May bank holiday weekends over the last few years.