The bank holiday weekend is set to bring some of the hottest temperatures of 2026 to the UK11:29, 22 May 2026Brits are being urged to remember an NHS 'rule' as temperatures soar across the UK. It comes as the bank holiday weekend is set to bring heat that could reach up to 33C in some parts of the country.‌Throughout the long weekend (May 23-25), the Met Office is forecasting some of the highest temperatures of 2026. 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. 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.‌"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."With such intense heat, people are advised to follow an 11am 'rule' to protect themselves and others during this scorching spell of weather. The NHS advises: "Spend time in the shade when the sun is strongest. In the UK, this is between 11am and 3pm from March to October."‌There are several ways to shield yourself from the sun's rays, such as taking breaks indoors when the heat becomes unbearable. Keeping curtains drawn can help keep a home cooler during sweltering weather, despite seeming like an odd approach, reports the Express.You can also monitor the UV index in a weather app or on a website. The NHS advises: "If it's three or higher, consider protecting your skin."While many will view sunny spells as the perfect chance to top up their tan, the NHS is keen to remind us that "there's no safe or healthy way to get a tan". Excessive sun exposure causes sunburn, which the NHS warns can "increase your risk of skin cancer".‌The health service also warns: "Sunburn does not just happen on holiday. You can burn in the UK, even when it's cloudy."Who should take extra care in the sun?Sun safety is relevant to everybody, but certain groups must be particularly vigilant when the skies clear and temperatures soar. Those who should pay close attention to guidance include:‌have pale, white or light brown skinhave freckles or red or fair hairhave light coloured eyestend to burn rather than tanhave many moleshave skin problems related to a medical conditionare only exposed to intense sun occasionally (for example, while on holiday)are in a hot country where the sun is particularly intensehave a family history of skin cancerThe NHS said: "People who spend a lot of time in the sun, whether it's for work or play, are at increased risk of skin cancer if they do not take the right precautions."If you have naturally brown or black skin, you are less likely to get skin cancer, as darker skin has some protection against UV rays. You may also need more time in sunlight to produce the same amount of vitamin D as people with lighter skin. But you should still avoid burning and take care in the sun as people of all skin tones can get skin cancer."Article continues belowIt's important to get any symptoms of skin cancer checked as soon as possible. Click here for more advice and support from Cancer Research UK.