Heatwave 2026 as May financial institution vacation to be hottest on document and hotter than Barbados
The UK is forecast to experience its hottest May day on record over the bank holiday weekend, with temperatures expected to reach 33C – hotter than Barbados and top European holiday destinations
It could be the hottest May day on record this bank holiday weekend(Image: Getty Images)
The UK is predicted to experience its hottest May day on record during the bank holiday weekend, with sections of the nation set to be warmer than Barbados.
Heat health warnings have been issued across much of the Midlands, eastern England and the South East in advance of a scorching spell. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) yellow alerts take effect on Friday morning, with officials cautioning that the sweltering conditions could cause minor disruption to health and social care services through to Wednesday.
Vulnerable individuals may require additional support, with higher indoor temperatures also anticipated, according to the UKHSA.
Temperatures are predicted to hit 33C across southern England and the Midlands on Monday – exceeding the UK’s existing May temperature record of 32.8C.
Peaks of 28C are expected across parts of south-east England on Friday before climbing beyond 30C throughout large areas of England and Wales over the subsequent days.
This means numerous regions will also be warmer than leading European holiday destinations including Mykonos, Marbella and Benidorm.
Met Office deputy chief forecaster, Steve Kocher, said: “It is likely that the May and spring UK temperature records will be broken over the bank holiday weekend, with forecast temperatures surpassing the existing record of 32.8C.”
Areas of Scotland and Northern Ireland are predicted to see temperatures reaching the mid-20s by next week. A UK heatwave is officially declared when a region endures at least three consecutive days with temperatures reaching or surpassing the area’s heatwave threshold.
The existing May temperature record remains at 32.8C, logged in Camden Square, London, in 1922. The hottest day documented in the UK thus far this year was 26.6C at Kew Gardens in south-west London in April.
Alzheimer’s Society advised people can assist loved ones or neighbours with dementia by placing drinking water within easy reach and ensuring they choose light-coloured, breathable clothing, avoid the sun between 11am and 3pm, take cool showers and keep blinds drawn.
The British Heart Foundation warned those with heart conditions face particular dangers because the organ must work harder to maintain the body’s core temperature at normal levels while blood vessels widen, which can result in a fall in blood pressure.
Hotter weather frequently triggers a spike in ambulance callouts and Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) rescues along UK coastlines as people suffer heat stress or encounter difficulties in the water.
Cancer Research UK encouraged people to enjoy the sun safely by covering up and using sunscreen.
Its latest data for the year 2022 shows there were 20,980 new cases of melanoma, the highest number it has ever recorded.
Fresh analysis from the charity also indicates the number of people diagnosed with melanoma will reach 26,500 a year by 2040.
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