UK temperatures near May record as heatwave expected Sunday

Temperatures across parts of the UK are forecast to approach or exceed the May record of 32.8C on Monday. The Met Office said readings at Heathrow reached 28C on three consecutive days through Sunday, meeting the threshold for a heatwave declaration in London and surrounding counties.

A peak of 30.5C was recorded at Frittenden in Kent on Saturday, the highest temperature of the year so far. Forecasters expect 31C in the south-east on Sunday and between 33C and 34C on Monday.

Regional conditions and records Met Office meteorologist Jonathan Vautrey said many areas would see plentiful sunshine on Sunday, with temperatures above 30C. He noted that 33C would mark the hottest May day and hottest bank holiday on record. Saturday was the first 30C day of the year in the UK and the earliest such reading since 1952.

North-west Scotland remained cooler with scattered cloud and rain.

Health alerts and venue adjustments The UK Health Security Agency issued amber heat-health alerts on Friday for the East Midlands, West Midlands, east of England, London and the south-east. The alerts remain until 5pm Wednesday and indicate a likely rise in deaths among people aged 65 and over or with health conditions.

Cricket venue Lord's relaxed its dress code for spectators in the pavilion. Several football matches, including the Championship playoff final and Women's Super League playoff, added drinks breaks.