Hot weather to intensify in UK over bank holiday weekend

Hot weather to intensify in UK over bank holiday weekendImage source, PA MediaByTomasz SchafernakerBBC MeteorologistPublished1 hour agoCommentsThe unusual May heat gripping the UK is forecast to intensify over the bank holiday 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.Friday saw temperatures reach the official heatwave threshold in London where it exceeded 28C (82.4F), marking the warmest day of the year so far. It's possible bank holiday Monday could become the hottest May day on record as temperatures are forecast to approach 33C in south-east England.Amber heat health alerts have been issued by the UK Health Security agency 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".Temperatures to continue climbing on SaturdayThis weekend, the highest temperatures are expected across central and southern England and in parts of Wales. Average highs at this time of year are typically in the upper teens, but some spots may see values 10 degrees higher than normal.It's likely Saturday we'll see another warmest day of the year as temperatures continue to tick upward. With mist and low cloud still hanging around in the far west of south-west England, west Wales and northern Scotland, temperatures will be lower.Spare a thought for those in the Northern Isles, Scotland, where it's only going to reach 13C.First heatwaves of 2026 likely to be declared on SundayIt's 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 thresh...