UK Records Hottest Day Of Year As Temperatures Hit 30.5C In Frittenden, Kent

The UK recorded its hottest day of the year so far on Saturday, with temperatures reaching 30.5C in Frittenden in Kent.

The BBC said the 30.5C reading beat Friday’s maximum of 28.4C at Heathrow in London, Cranwell in Lincolnshire and Cambridge.

BBC

Forecasters warned the heat would intensify through the bank holiday weekend, with the Met Office saying the UK was likely to see its hottest May day on record on Monday.

The Guardian reported that temperatures could reach 33C in southern England and the Midlands, and that the Met Office expected 31C on Sunday afternoon in the south and around 26C in the north.

The Guardian also said the current May temperature record is 32.8C, logged in Camden Square, north London, in 1922, and in Horsham in West Sussex, Tunbridge Wells in Kent, and Regent’s Park in central London in 1944.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued amber heat health alerts for the East Midlands, West Midlands, the east of England, London and the south-east, with the alerts remaining in place until 5pm on Wednesday.

The Guardian said the alerts mean there is likely to be “a rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions” and increased demand on all health and social care services.

BBC

The Independent reported that UKHSA amber warnings across London, the South East, the East and the Midlands start from 2pm on Friday, with yellow alerts across the rest of England.

The Independent quoted Met Office deputy chief forecaster Steve Kocher saying: “Temperatures will climb through the weekend, especially in the south, where 30C is likely to be recorded on Saturday and 32C on Sunday.”

The BBC added that amber heat health alerts remain in effect for the Midlands, eastern and south-east England, with amber alerts meaning there is a risk of a significant impact across health and social care services.

As the UK prepares for a bank holiday weekend heatwave, the Manchester Evening News urged gardeners to leave out high-energy food for birds during periods of intense heat.

The paper said bird food specialist Richard Green from Kennedy Wild Bird Food & Pet Supplies advised leaving out dried mealworms as the top choice, while also listing sunflower hearts or suet pellets as options.

The Manchester Evening News warned that fat balls should be avoided because they can spoil rapidly in direct sunshine and pose a risk to birds' health.

Richard Green also cautioned: “Don't overfill feeders in hot weather, as this will prevent food from spoiling and spreading diseases.”

He further advised gardeners to water plants during a heatwave so insects such as butterflies and bees can access water, and to place water sources away from areas where predators might be lurking, particularly cats.