The UK experienced its warmest day of the year on Tuesday, with temperatures reaching 24.9°C (76.8°F), surpassing the previous high for 2025. Forecasters predict that the warm spell could continue into Thursday, potentially marking the hottest start to May on record.
The highest temperatures were recorded in Ross-on-Wye in the West Midlands and Trawscoed in Wales, with both locations exceeding the previous day’s high of 24.5°C, measured at St James’s Park in London.
Experts are forecasting that temperatures could climb even higher, potentially reaching 29°C on Thursday, coinciding with local elections across England.
The unseasonably warm weather is expected to bring high UV and pollen levels, adding to the health considerations during this spring heatwave.
Temperatures across much of the UK, including Scotland and Northern Ireland, are set to remain in the low to mid-twenties on Wednesday, with London likely seeing the hottest conditions at 27°C.
Tuesday’s peak temperature in Scotland reached 22.4°C in Aboyne, while in Northern Ireland, it hit 22.2°C in Derrylin.
However, the warm weather is expected to shift slightly by Thursday. While Scotland and Northern Ireland will see cooler temperatures of around 13-16°C, southern England could continue to heat up, leading to what could be the UK’s warmest May 1st on record. The current record stands at 27.4°C, set in Lossiemouth in 1990.
The heatwave is being driven by a southerly wind from southern Europe, which is bringing warm air to the UK. The combination of high pressure and strong sunshine is contributing to the prolonged warmth.
However, the high humidity levels expected on Thursday could result in heavy and potentially thundery showers across England and Wales.
As the bank holiday weekend approaches, temperatures are predicted to gradually fall, with conditions remaining dry for most areas.
There will be sunny spells, particularly in southern and central regions, although northern Scotland and parts of eastern England are expected to experience cloudier weather, especially on Sunday.
By Monday, temperatures are expected to drop to between 12°C and 17°C, which is closer to the average for early May. Despite the unseasonably high temperatures, experts have clarified that this warm spell does not qualify as a heatwave.
To be officially classified as such, temperatures would need to be above the “heatwave threshold” for at least three consecutive days. These thresholds vary across the UK, with the highest being 28°C in the southeast and 25°C in other regions.
The warm weather has also resulted in high UV levels across much of the UK. While some UV radiation is essential for the body to produce vitamin D, prolonged exposure can increase the risk of skin damage and eye problems.
The NHS has issued guidelines advising people to take precautions, including using at least factor 30 sunscreen, seeking shade during the hottest parts of the day, and staying hydrated.
With the UK experiencing increasingly frequent warm spells due to climate change, experts warn that such spring heatwaves could become more common in the future, particularly as spring is the fastest-warming season in the UK.
