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The UK is bracing for the hottest day of the year so far, with forecasters predicting temperatures could hit 30C at the earliest point in the year ever.
It could be the warmest start to May ever recorded, according to the Met Office - beating the 27.4C set on 1 May 1990 in Lossiemouth, Scotland.
Meteorologist Michael Silverstone said temperatures could climb to “29C or even 30C”.
He added: “If we reach 30C on Thursday, it will be the earliest date in May that the UK has seen 30C since our records began in 1860.”
The earliest in the year the mercury has risen to 30C in the UK previously was on May 12 in 1945.
The week’s weather has already seen temperatures climb higher than in Greece and Spain. The Met Office said temperatures reached 26.7C in Wisley, Surrey on Wednesday – making it the warmest day of the year so far.
London Fire Brigade warn against open-water swimming
The London Fire Brigade (LFB) has urged caution around open-water swimming after a 32 per cent increase in water-related incidents last month compared with the same period last year.
Craig Carter, LFB assistant commissioner for prevention and protection, said: “Even when the sun is shining, water temperatures can be dangerously cold. Cold water shock can affect anyone, no matter how fit or experienced they are.
“It can lead to water inhalation and, in the worst cases, drowning. Be particularly careful near the water’s edge, it’s easy to slip and fall unexpectedly. And think twice before jumping into open water.”
Rebecca Whittaker1 May 2025 08:38
Where in the UK will see temperatures reach 30C?
The Met Office said temperatures reached 26.7C in Wisley, Surrey on Wednesday – making it the warmest day of the year so far.
The previous high was 24.5C in St James’s Park, London, on Monday, which reached 24.7C on Tuesday.
Today the south east may reach 30C.
Rebecca Whittaker1 May 2025 08:35
Temperatures could break record set in 1945
The UK is set to face the hottest start to May on record, with with forecasters predicting temperatures to hit 30C.
If it does reach this temperature, which it is likely to in the south east, it will be the hottest ever recorded in the UK.
The previous earliest date it reached temperatures as high as this was 12 May 1945
Meteorologist Michael Silverstone said temperatures could climb to “29C or even 30C”.
He added: “If we reach 30C on Thursday, it will be the earliest date in May that the UK has seen 30C since our records began in 1860.”
Rebecca Whittaker1 May 2025 08:30
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