A heatwave is set to be declared in parts of the UK, with temperatures reaching 30.5C in Kent. New national May temperature records may be established on bank holiday Monday.
Key points
Heatwave expected to be declared in parts of the UK
Temperature of 30.5C recorded in Kent
New national May temperature records may be set
Amber heat-health alerts in effect until at least Wednesday
Tourism and hospitality industry benefits from the weather
A heatwave is expected to officially be declared for parts of the UK on Sunday as a spell of unusual May heat intensifies.
A temperature of 30.5C was recorded at Frittenden in Kent on Saturday - the highest of the year so far. The soaring temperatures could also lead to new national May temperature records being set on bank holiday Monday.
While the tourism and hospitality industry are welcoming the well-timed hot and sunny weather, the longevity of the heatwave is likely to have impacts on the health of some.
Amber heat-health alerts remain in force for parts of the Midlands and eastern England until at least Wednesday.
A rocky coastline with a setting sun in the backgroundImage source, BBC WeatherWatcherrs/Ani Caul
When does hot weather become a heatwave?
This all depends on where you live and is based on the "normal" climate there.
Met Office heatwave criteria sets the temperature for a heatwave at 25C in Scotland, Northern Ireland, much of Wales and northern England.
For many other areas of England, as well as south-east Wales, it is 26 or 27C. In London, most of the home counties and Cambridgeshire, it is 28C.
These thresholds must be reached or exceeded on at least three consecutive days.
It is possible that many areas will officially be classed as being in a heatwave when Sunday's temperatures are confirmed.
For some areas it is likely to turn into a prolonged heatwave.
Map showing the Met Office heatwave thresholds across the UK for the daily maximum temperature. 25 Celsius in Scotland, Northern Ireland, much of Wales and northern England. For many other areas of England , as well as south-east Wales it is 26 or 27 Celsius, but for London, most of the home counties and Cambridgeshire it's 28 Celsius.
Q&A
What temperature was recorded in Kent during the heatwave?
A temperature of 30.5C was recorded at Frittenden in Kent.
When is the heatwave expected to be officially declared in the UK?
The heatwave is expected to be officially declared on Sunday.
What health alerts are in place during the heatwave in the UK?
Amber heat-health alerts are in force for parts of the Midlands and eastern England until at least Wednesday.
How might the heatwave impact the tourism and hospitality industry?
The tourism and hospitality industry is welcoming the hot and sunny weather, which is well-timed for business.
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Image caption,
Heatwave temperature thresholds must be reached for three consecutive days or more
Temperature records may fall
Saturday brought the UK its first 30C day of the year, and the earliest date 30C was reached since 1952.
With heat set to build further across England and Wales on bank holiday Monday it looks increasingly likely that a new all-time UK May temperature record will be set.
32.8C is currently the highest temperature ever recorded in May. It was set on the Late Spring Bank Holiday Monday in 1944 at Tunbridge Wells, Horsham and Central London.
Current forecasts show the possibility of exceeding 33C in parts of south-east England.
The night-time temperature record for May could also be swept aside too if any location stays above the 18.9C set in Folkestone on the night of the 30-31 May 1947.
UK temperature maps for Sunday and Monday. Sunday has highs of 18 to 27 Celsius for many, but 12 Celsius in Shetland and 30 Celsius in south-east England. Monday has highs of 22 to 31 Celsius for most, with 12 Celsius in Shetland and 33 Celsius in south-east England.
Image caption,
Heat continues to intensify across many areas this bank holiday weekend.
Forecasts show that some areas of England and Wales may stay above heatwave criteria for most of the week.
30C days in May the UK are relatively rare; however, it is conceivable we could see four or five recorded this week alone.
Climate change is believed to have played a role in such hot spells as this.
According to the Met Office's State of the UK Climate report, the number of days in the UK with temperatures above 28C has more than doubled and the number of days with temperatures above 30C has more than trebled in the most recent decade, compared with the 1961-1990 average.
Rolling fields with blue skies and patchy cloud overheadImage source, BBC WeatherWatchers/Janey liz
Image caption,
Sunny skies on a bank holiday weekend
Heat in short supply for some
Sunshine and heat will not grip the entire UK this weekend.
Parts of north-west Scotland are expected to stay fairly cloudy at times, with some occasional rain likely and temperatures in the lower-teens.
Other parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland will be pleasantly warm, rather than hot as temperatures slowly increase over the coming days. The warmth may peak here around Wednesday and Thursday with temperatures hitting the mid-20s Celsius.
Some coasts will also be fresher, where sea breezes come off a cooler sea. It is worth remembering though that, whatever the temperature UV levels are expected to be high.
