UK braces for bank holiday heatwave as temperatures set to soar to record-breaking 33C

Temperatures are set to soar this bank holiday weekend, with a chance of record-breaking 33C (91F) May highs in parts of the UK.

Health alerts have been issued as the country braces for a heatwave from Friday through to next week.

Sky News weather presenter Jo Wheeler said the UK could see the hottest day of the year so far - smashing the 26.6C (79F) at London's Kew Gardens on 8 April.

Meanwhile, the 32.8C (91F) record for May set in the capital's Camden Square in 1922 could be surpassed.

Over the weekend, temperatures in the UK are expected to exceed those forecast in Mediterranean hotspots including Mykonos, Rhodes and Santorini.

On Friday, the mercury is forecast to hit 29C (84F) - with a 20% chance of 30C (86F) - across the East Midlands, East Anglia, London and north Kent.

On Saturday, temperatures of 30C (86F) - with a 20% chance of 32C (89F) - are expected in Greater London.

While on Sunday they could hit 31-32C (87-89F) - with a 20% chance of 34C (93F) - across south and southeast England and the South Midlands.

Monday looks set to be even hotter, with 32-33C (89-91F) - with a 50% chance of 34C (93F) - forecast for south England and the Midlands.

And on Tuesday, 31-32C (87-89F) - with a 20% chance of 34C (93F) - is expected in south England.

See the five-day forecast for your area

The UK Health Security Agency has issued heat health alerts covering much of the Midlands, eastern and southeast England.

Officials are warning of "minor impacts" across health and social care services, including a greater risk to life for vulnerable people.

The Alzheimer's Society said people with dementia are likely to be more vulnerable in warmer conditions.

The charity outlined ways to support loved ones or neighbours with dementia by leaving drinking water within easy reach and ensuring they opt for light-coloured, airy clothes, stay out of the sun between 11am and 3pm, take cool showers and keep blinds closed.

The British Heart Foundation said heart patients also face potential dangers in the heat and should take extra precautions to minimise health risks.

Asthma + Lung UK also issued advice for those with lung conditions, including taking any preventer inhaler as prescribed and keeping a reliever inhaler handy to treat symptoms quickly.

Karen Spillett, deputy head of health advice at the charity, said: "Hot weather can affect breathing and make symptoms like breathlessness and wheezing worse for people with asthma, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and other lung conditions.

"Warmer weather often causes rising pollen levels and increases the presence of a toxic air pollutant called ozone.

"These can make it harder to breathe and put people at risk of a flare-up or asthma attack, which can be life-threatening and require emergency care."

There may also be an increased danger of water-related incidents such as drowning and cold-water shock.

The RNLI said choosing a lifeguarded beach, swimming between the red and yellow flags, and dialling 999 or 112 and asking for the coastguard in an emergency can make all the difference in staying safe on the coast.

Samantha Hughes, RNLI water safety partner, said: "If you find yourself in difficulty in the water, try to remain calm and remember float to live: lean back with your ears submerged, extend your arms and legs, and float until you can control your breathing and wait for help to arrive or before moving to safety."

Campaign group River Action additionally warned of the health risks posed by poor water quality, even in designated bathing spots.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) and Children's Burn Trust are also urging people to take care if they are planning a barbecue.

Rebecca Guy, senior policy manager at RoSPA, said: "Barbecues cause serious burns every year, often because people underestimate how hot they stay long after cooking has finished.

"Children should be kept well away from barbecues at all times, and disposable barbecues must never be moved or put in bins until they are completely cold.

"Simple steps like safe placement, supervision and proper disposal can prevent life-changing injuries."

A heatwave in the UK is officially recorded when an area experiences at least three consecutive days with temperatures meeting or exceeding the region's threshold.

Steve Kocher, deputy chief forecaster at the Met Office, said: "Temperatures will climb through the weekend, especially in the south, where 30C is likely to be recorded on Saturday and 32C on Sunday.

"Temperatures are forecast to peak on Monday when we could see 33C recorded in southern England and the Midlands.

"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.

"As well as it being hot, there will be lots of dry and sunny weather for much of the UK.

"There will, however, be more cloud and some showers in Northern Ireland and western Scotland through the weekend.

"With relatively low sea surface temperatures, there is also likely to be some low cloud and sea fog clinging closely to western coasts."

(c) Sky News 2026: UK braces for bank holiday heatwave as temperatures set to soar to record-breaking 33C