The United Kingdom recorded its hottest day of 2026 on Friday, with temperatures reaching 30C for the first time in May since 2012, according to the Met Office, as a major heatwave spread across the country during the bank holiday weekend.
Forecasters warned temperatures could climb even higher through the weekend, with some parts of southern England and the Midlands expected to hit 32C to 33C by Monday. Officials also issued amber heat-health alerts across London, the South East, East Midlands and West Midlands due to potential health risks, travel disruption and pressure on public services.
The soaring temperatures come as thousands of travellers faced heavy delays at the Port of Dover, with waiting times reportedly reaching nearly three hours during one of the busiest holiday travel periods of the year.
The Met Office said the unusual heat is being driven by warm air moving north from southern Europe, combined with ongoing dry weather conditions across much of England. Experts say the current temperatures are unusually high for May and could challenge long-standing national spring heat records.
Authorities urged the public to stay hydrated, avoid direct sunlight during peak afternoon hours and check on elderly or vulnerable people during the heatwave.