UK Braces for Hottest Start to May on Record – Temperatures Could Hit 29°C

The United Kingdom is set to experience its hottest start to May ever recorded this Thursday (1 May 2024), with temperatures expected to soar to 29°C in southeast England.

This would shatter the previous record of 27.4°C set on 1 May 1990 in Lossiemouth, Scotland. The unseasonably warm weather comes after a week of rising temperatures, with parts of Wales also nearing April heat records.

• Wednesday (30 April): South Wales could see temperatures reach 26°C, close to its all-time April high of 26.2°C (16 April 2003).

• Thursday (1 May): Southeast England may hit 29°C, surpassing the previous May Day record by nearly 2°C.

• Nationwide Warmth: Most areas will see temperatures 7°C–11°C above average for early May, with highs in the low-to-mid twenties.

The heatwave is driven by a large, stationary high-pressure system over the UK, blocking cooler Atlantic winds and pulling warm air from North Africa and the Mediterranean. Strong sunshine has further heated the ground and air, creating a “heat dome” effect.

After Thursday’s peak, temperatures will gradually drop over the Bank Holiday weekend:

• Friday (2 May): Highs of 24°C in the southeast, cooling to 18°C–22°C elsewhere.

• Saturday (3 May): Mostly dry with sunshine, though showers may hit southern areas. Temperatures between 16°C–22°C, cooler in northern Scotland (11°C–13°C).

• Sunday (4 May) and Monday (5 May): Cloudier skies in eastern regions, with highs of 13°C–17°C—closer to seasonal averages.

The Met Office has warned of high UV levels across most of the UK, urging people to:

• Use sunscreen (SPF 30+).

• Wear hats and sunglasses.

• Stay hydrated and avoid midday sun.

Humidity on Thursday could also trigger heavy, thundery showers in Wales, the Midlands, and eastern England.

While spring heatwaves are not uncommon, climate scientists note that such extreme temperatures are now five times more likely due to human-induced climate change. Blocked weather patterns—like the current high-pressure system—are becoming more frequent, raising risks of droughts, heatwaves, and erratic weather.

Dr. Sarah Jones, BBC Weather Analyst, explains: “These ‘blocked’ patterns trap weather systems in place. In summer, this means prolonged heat, but in winter, it can lead to cold snaps like the ‘Beast from the East’.”