Today08:01 BSTHeat alerts issued across UK by UKHSAA series of heat health alerts have been issued by the Government's UKHSA as the country braces for a bank holiday heatwave with blistering highs of 33C.The agency has issued yellow warnings for London, the South East, the East of England and the Midlands starting from 9am today.The alerts mean people need to be aware of "minor impacts" including increased use of healthcare services by vulnerable people, greater risk to life of vulnerable people and increased potential for indoor environments to become very warm.You can read the full story here.Today07:15 BSTHighs of 27C expected todayHighs of 27C are expected across parts of the southeast and the East Midlands today, with London, Cambridge, Nottingham and Lincoln among the areas set to enjoy the warmest weather, according to the Met Office.Much of England and Wales will see largely sunny skies throughout the day, although some low clould could affect western coastal areas at times.Further north, Scotland and Northern Ireland are expected to be cloudier, with occasional rain mixed in with sunny spells.Temperatures are set to peak at 27C today(Image: PA)Today03:18 BSTThe hottest May days on recordWhile reaching 30°C in May is rare, the UK has experienced some high temperatures during the month. Records of the hottest May days provide further insight into how marked late spring heat can become when conditions align.According to the Met Offic the highest temperatures recorded in May is 32.8°C, with several notable occurrences. These include readings at Camden Square and Greenwich in Greater London during May 1922, as well as across parts of southeast England including Tunbridge Wells and Horsham during late May 1944.Other significant hot days include temperatures of around 32.2°C recorded at Camden Square on 31 May 1947, and 31.7°C recorded at Heathrow and Farnham on 25 May 1953. Most of these highest temperatures are concentrated in southern and southeastern England, where proximity to continental Europe and generally lower cloud cover increases the likelihood of warmth during settled conditions.‌Today03:16 BSTWhen was the last time the UK reached 30°C in May?The most recent occurrence of temperatures reaching at least 30°C in May dates back to May 2012, when the threshold was met on 25 May.Prior to that, there were similarly high temperatures reported in May 2010 (23 May) and May 2005 (27 May), demonstrating that while uncommon, summer-like heat in May is not unprecedented in the UK climate.Today02:18 BSTStaying safe at the seasideAs the RNLI celebrates reaching 25 years of keeping beaches safer by delivering a world class lifeguarding service, their advice remains crucial to staying safe at the seaside. Choosing a lifeguarded beach, swimming between the red and yellow flags and knowing what to do in an emergency can make all the difference.Samantha Hughes, RNLI Water Safety Partner, says: "If you find yourself in difficulty in the water, try to remain calm and remember Float to Live: lean back with your ears submerged, extend your arms and legs, and float until you can control your breathing and wait for help to arrive or before moving to safety. If you see someone else in trouble in the water, phone 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.”The RNLI’s Float to Live guidance provides clear tips for anyone who finds themselves struggling in the water:Tilt your head back, with your ears submergedRelax and try to breathe normallyMove your hands and feet to help you stay afloatIt’s fine if your legs sink, we all float differentlyPractise floating in a local pool if you canToday02:12 BSTA warm start to FridayContent cannot be displayed without consent‌Today00:01 BSTBrits warned to be safe in the sun this bank holidayCases of the most serious form of skin cancer have reached a record high in Britain amid sun safety warnings before an expected heatwave.New data from Cancer Research UK (CRUK) shows annual new melanoma skin cancer cases in the UK have risen above 20,000 for the first time. The charity is urging people to stay safe in the sun as temperatures are expected to hit as high as 33C in parts of the country this bank holiday weekend.Read the full story here.21st May23:07 BSTWhere will hit 33C over the Bank Holiday weekend?Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Steve Kocher, said: "Temperatures will climb through the weekend, especially in the south, where 30C is likely to be recorded on Saturday and 32C on Sunday."Temperatures are forecast to peak on Monday when we could see 33C recorded in southern England and the Midlands."21st May22:39 BSTMet Office tips for staying safe in waterThe Met Office has issued the following advice for staying safe in water as temperatures look set to surge across the UK.Check the water temperature, our seas and river temperatures are low enough to cause cold water shock when 15C or lowerWear a wetsuit if you plan on spending any length of time in the waterWearing a life jacket or swimming buoy can increase your chances if you experience cold water shock‌21st May22:19 BSTTemperature anomaly maps reveal above-average temperatures inboundTemperature anomaly maps show where temperatures are expected to be above or below the seasonal average.GFS model maps for Monday show areas of deep red right across the country. This suggests temperatures will be well above what is expected for this time of year.The mercury should hit 33C on Monday.Temperature anomaly map for Monday21st May21:59 BSTBe wary in sea during heatwave, Met Office warns "People heading to the coast should be mindful that sea surface temperatures are not as high as they would be in mid-summer when the UK more usually records temperatures in the 30s," the Met Office says. "Current sea surface temperatures range from 9C around Scotland to 13C around the south west of the England."People are urged to use tools such as the beach forecasts on the Met Office app to better understand local conditions and stay safe.21st May21:41 BST'Fine weather to continue' after Bank Holiday weekend, Met Office saysThe Met Office forecast for May 26 to June 4 states: "Temperatures will fall through this period to be above normal but not as hot as through the preceding Bank Holiday weekend."With high pressure expected to remain in place for much of the UK, fine weather is likely to continue for most places."Some patchy rain may affect the far north at times and perhaps a few showers in the far south. Temperatures are expected to be above normal overall, feeling very warm at times with light winds."‌21st May21:20 BSTUKHSA issues heat health alertsThe UKHSA has issued yellow heat health alerts in five regions - East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England, London and the South East. They are due to last until May 27 and suggest "minor impacts are likely across health and social services" due to hot conditions, including:increased use of healthcare services by vulnerable peoplegreater risk to life of vulnerable peopleincreased potential for indoor environments to become very warmHeat health alerts issued in UK21st May20:59 BST'Warm start' tomorrow, Met Office saysBrits can expect a "warm start" tomorrow, according to the Met Office. However, there will also be some rain and cloud in places.Content cannot be displayed without consent21st May20:41 BSTMet Office advice for keeping cool on public transportThe Met Office has issued the following tips for staying cool on public transport as temperatures surge this weekend.Carry some water with you and drink lots of fluidsIf you feel unwell get off at next stop for some fresh airDress light, choose light fabrics in light coloursHelp others - for anyone struggling, ice packs/cold compresses to wrists, neck, elbows can help them cool down quicklyTake a small hand-held battery fan‌21st May20:30 BSTTuesday could bring 32C, weather maps suggestWeather forecasting maps suggest the scorching temperatures could continue after the Bank Holiday weekend.The latest ECMWF model predictions show highs of 32C are possible on Tuesday.Maximum possible temperatures (C) for Tuesday21st May20:08 BSTBBC Weather forecast for Bank Holiday weekendBBC Weather states: "Saturday may see the odd shower in the south-east. Cloud and some drizzle in the north-west but sunny elsewhere."On Sunday and Monday, most will have sunny spells once early fog in the west lifts, but coastal areas may see low cloud linger. Cloudier with light rain in the north. Very warm or hot, but cooler in the north-west."21st May20:01 BSTMet Office forecasts 28C for FridayThe Met Office says temperatures could rise to 28C in southern areas tomorrow. Highs of 25C are expected in northern areas.The mercury will then rise to 30C on Saturday, 32C on Sunday and 33C on Monday, the Met Office predicts.‌21st May19:50 BSTWhat is an official heatwave?An official heatwave is declared when we have three consecutive days where temperatures anywhere in the country surpass the heatwave threshold.The threshold varies from 28C to 25C in different counties - meaning this weekend will smash through it.Map showing heatwave threshold across UK(Image: Met Office)21st May19:46 BSTHeatwave due to high pressure developing near UK"Although winds are expected to turn more southerly by the end of the week, the rise in temperatures is not primarily due to hot air being transported directly from southern Europe or North Africa," the Met Office said."Instead, the main driver of the warming trend is the development of high pressure over and near the UK. As this high-pressure strengthens, it causes sinking air in the atmosphere. This descending air is compressed as it moves downward, leading to warming through a process known as adiabatic compression."21st May19:41 BSTMet Office advice for keeping cool during heatwaveThe Met Office has issued tips for keeping cool during the upcoming Bank Holiday heatwave.Keep out of the sun and avoid any exercise between 11am to 3pm when the sun is the strongestDrink plenty of fluidsClose your curtains in rooms that face the sunIf you are going out, take water with you, keep in the shade, wear sunscreen and wear a wide brimmed hatPeople are urged to keep curtains closed(Image: Getty)‌21st May19:36 BSTRecord-breaking temperatures follow concerning studyRecord-breaking temperatures this weekend follow a study published last summer by Met Office scientists found that the chances of surpassing the May temperature record set in 1944 have been increasing as our climate changes.The study found that breaking the 32.8C May record is around three times more likely now in our current climate than it would have been in a natural climate not impacted by greenhouse gas emissions. What was around a 1-in-100 year event is now around a 1-in-33 year event.21st May19:32 BST21 counties face 30C or aboveAdvanced weather forecasting maps suggest 21 counties could face temperatures of 30C or above on Monday.You can find the full list here.21 counties are set for temperatures of 30C or above21st May19:28 BSTBritish Red Cross issues heatwave warningThe British Red Cross has issued advice to Brits as temperatures are set to surge above 30C.Dafydd Beech, National Community Education Manager at the British Red Cross, said: “As we come into the summer months, warm weather gives us a chance to get out a bit more and enjoy ourselves. It’s important to take care while you have fun with friends and family to avoid becoming dehydrated, getting sun burn or even heat stroke.“Getting into the habit of taking steps whenever temperatures rise can really help. It can be simple things like wearing sunscreen, drinking plenty of fluids or ensuring you take breaks from the sun. Building these habits early means people are better prepared if hotter weather lasts longer.”‌21st May19:26 BSTSome regions will miss out on heatwave conditionsDespite the blistering 33C heat, the Met Office says some regions will see "cloud" and "showers".Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Steve Kocher said: "As well as it being hot, there will be lots of dry and sunny weather for much of the UK."There will however be more cloud and some showers in Northern Ireland and western Scotland through the weekend."With relatively low sea surface temperatures there is also likely to be some low cloud and sea fog clinging closely to western coasts.”21st May19:23 BSTTemperatures rose above 24C today - but warmer conditions coming tomorrowTemperatures peaked at above 24C in the UK today. However, the Met Office says it will feel "even warmer" tomorrow!Content cannot be displayed without consent21st May19:20 BSTWhich regions could see 33C?The Met Office says two parts of the country could see 33C heat over the Bank Holiday weekend.Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Steve Kocher said: "Temperatures will climb through the weekend, especially in the south, where 30C is likely to be recorded on Saturday and 32C on Sunday. Temperatures are forecast to peak on Monday when we could see 33C recorded in southern England and the Midlands."‌21st May19:19 BSTMet Office maps reveal where will be warmestThe Met Office has shared weather maps showing where in the UK will see the hottest temperatures over the Bank Holiday weekend.The mercury is set to rise the highest in the south-east of England.Content cannot be displayed without consent21st May19:15 BSTRecord-breaking temperatures expected for MayThe Met Office expects temperatures to reach 33C on Monday - which would constitute a new record for May.“It is likely that the May and Spring UK temperature records will be broken over the Bank Holiday weekend, with forecast temperatures surpassing the existing record of 32.8C," Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Steve Kocher said.This comes after a study published last summer by Met Office scientists found the chances of surpassing the May temperature record set in 1944 have been increasing as our climate changes.The study found that breaking the 32.8C May record is around three times more likely now in our current climate than it would have been in a natural climate not impacted by greenhouse gas emissions. What was around a 1-in-100 year event is now around a 1-in-33 year event.‌