The United Kingdom is set to experience an exceptional heatwave, with health alerts already issued as temperatures are predicted to reach 30 degrees Celsius in some regions. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has announced that heat health alerts will be in effect for a duration of five days, beginning on Friday.
Exceptional Spell of Warmth
According to the Met Office, the UK is forecast to see an exceptional spell of warmth over five days, with temperatures expected to peak on Monday. The heat health alerts affect the East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England, London, and South East. The exact timing of the heatwave has been disclosed, starting from 9am on Friday and lasting until 5pm next Wednesday.
Forecaster Insights
Greg Wolverson, Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster, stated: "A very warm period of weather will develop through the weekend and into next week for much of the UK. High pressure will be in charge of the UK's weather over the bank holiday weekend, and this should bring fine and settled conditions to most areas." He added that parts of northwestern Scotland will be cooler and cloudier with some rain, and there is a small risk of thunder in the south late on Friday into Saturday.
Nick Giles OBE, MD Leisure at Ordnance Survey, commented: "With a long weekend looming, and warm weather forecast, it seems the perfect opportunity to set out on an adventure on foot - equipped for the Great British weather, of course."
Hottest Day of the Year
Sky News weather presenter Jo Wheeler noted that the country is likely to experience its hottest day of the year so far over the weekend. "It's finally turning warmer this week, with temperatures expected to reach 28C in the south on Friday and Saturday," she said. "There is a chance of 30C in some areas - which is rare for May and last seen in the UK in 2012. That would be the hottest temperature we've seen this year, with the previous high standing at 26.6C at Kew Gardens on 8 April."
She added that the high pressure becoming established over the UK next week promises good weather for the half-term break, and heatwave criteria could be met in a few spots.
