The Bank holiday getaway begins across the South

Roads across the South are expected to be busy as the final May Bank Holiday getaway begins.

Meanwhile, health bosses across the South are urging residents and visitors to take care as hot and dry weather arrives for the May Bank Holiday weekend.

NHS Sussex says temperatures are expected to climb as high as 29°C, with high UV and pollen levels also forecast across the region.

People are being encouraged to enjoy the sunshine safely, while also using health services wisely over the busy weekend.

The warm weather means many people are expected to spend more time outdoors, but the NHS says there is a greater risk of dehydration, sunburn, heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

Older people, babies, young children, those with long-term health conditions, and anyone who may find it harder to stay cool are being urged to take extra care.

Residents and visitors are advised to use sunscreen with at least SPF 30, drink plenty of fluids, wear a hat, walk in the shade, and stay out of the sun between 11am and 3pm where possible.

Those with hay fever are also being reminded to take their regular medication, with pollen levels expected to remain high throughout the weekend.

The NHS is also asking people to help keep emergency care available for those who need it most.

People should only call 999 or attend Emergency Departments in serious or life-threatening situations.

For anything less urgent, NHS 111 online or by phone can provide advice and direct people to the most appropriate service.

Urgent Treatment Centres, Minor Injury Units, walk-in centres and community pharmacies can also support people with non-life-threatening health issues, often closer to home and with shorter waiting times than hospital emergency departments.

Community pharmacies will be open across the bank holiday weekend and can offer advice and treatment for minor illnesses including sunburn, insect bites, heat rash, sore throats and hay fever.

Through the Pharmacy First scheme, people can also access help for conditions including earache, impetigo, infected insect bites, shingles, sinusitis, sore throats and urinary tract infections in women aged 16 to 64.

As of 17:00 on 22/05/2026: Southern Railway are reporting failure of the electricity supply between Brighton and Hove means that all lines are disrupted. As a result, trains running between these stations may be delayed by up to 30 minutes or revised. Disruption is expected until 18:30.

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V2VOUCHERS.CO.UK is offering half-price deals on a wide range of experiences across the South, from meals out at local restaurants to tickets for some of the region’s biggest events.