UK Bank Holiday Heatwave: The UK is preparing for a very hot bank holiday weekend as Met office warned possible heatwave across many parts of the country.

There is about a 40% chance that temperatures in some areas of southern England could rise as high as 33°C on Sunday. If this temperature is reached, it would break the current May record of 32.8°C, which was set in 1922, making it the hottest May day ever recorded in the UK.

UK Heat Health Alerts Issued

The UK Health Security Agency has issued heat health alerts for large parts of the Midlands, eastern England, and south-east England. These alerts warn that the hot weather could cause minor impacts on health services and social care systems.

Normally, the agency issues heat alerts only between June and September. However, due to the early arrival of intense heat, alerts have been issued earlier than usual. The warnings began at 9am on Friday, May 22, 2026, and will remain active until 5pm on Wednesday, May 27, 2026. Officials also warn that vulnerable people, such as the elderly and those with existing health conditions, face higher risks during this heatwave.

Temperature Forecast Across the UK

According to the Met Office, temperatures in southern England and the Midlands could peak at 33°C. If this happens, it would be the first time such high May temperatures have ever been recorded in the country.

Experts say the UK could experience its hottest day of the year so far, beating the previous high of 26.6°C recorded at London's Kew Gardens on 8 April. There is also a chance that the long-standing May record of 32.8°C (set in 1922 at Camden Square) could be broken. Interestingly, forecasts suggest that parts of the UK may even become hotter than popular Mediterranean holiday destinations such as Mykonos, Rhodes, and Santorini over the weekend.

City-wise Temperature Outlook

• London - up to 33°C, highest risk area
• Greater London - 30-32°C, very hot and dry
• Birmingham - 28-31°C
• Coventry - 27-30°C
• Leicester - 28-31°C
• Nottingham - 27-30°C
• Manchester - 24-27°C
• Liverpool - 23-26°C
• Bristol - 26-29°C
• Cardiff - 25-28°C
• Brighton & Hove - 27-30°C
• Portsmouth - 27-30°C
• South East England (Kent area) - up to 32-33°C, one of the hottest zones
• East Anglia (Norwich area) - 30-32°C, hot and dry conditions

Rising Heat Through the Weekend

• On Friday, temperatures are expected to reach around 29°C in areas such as the East Midlands, East Anglia, London, and north Kent. There is also a 20% chance that temperatures could touch 30°C.
• By Saturday, Greater London may reach around 30°C, and in some places even 32°C.
• The hottest conditions are expected on Monday, when southern England and the Midlands could experience temperatures close to 33°C.

UKHSA Health Risks and Official Advice

The UKHSA has warned that this heatwave may lead to "minor impacts" on health and social care services. It also highlighted a "greater risk to life of vulnerable people", especially the elderly and those with underlying health conditions.

Dr Anya Gopfert, a public health consultant at UKHSA, said, "This first heat-health alert of the summer season is an important reminder that sustained periods of warm weather can pose a real risk to the most vulnerable."