health
Health alerts for bank holiday weekend as record May heat forecast in UK
Temperatures expected to reach as high as 33C in southern England or Midlands on Monday
TL;DR
- Amber heat health alerts issued for the bank holiday weekend due to potential record-breaking May temperatures up to 33C.
- Alerts cover East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England, London, and South East, in effect from Friday to Wednesday.
- Yellow alerts issued for North East, North West England, Yorkshire and Humber, and South West England.
- The UK is forecast to experience its hottest ever day in May, potentially exceeding the 32.8C recorded on May 29, 1944.
- Global heating is making heatwaves more likely and intense.
- Hotter weather attributed to a change in wind direction bringing warmer air from hotter regions.
- Peak temperatures predicted for Monday, potentially hotter than Rome, Athens, and Barcelona.
- Public advised to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged direct sunlight, wear sunglasses, and limit alcohol/caffeine.
- Recommendations include closing windows during the day and opening them at night to cool homes.