Today16:37 BSTA child's body heats up 3 to 5 times faster than an adult'sAs a reminder, it is important to never leave anyone - especially infants, young children or animals - in a closed, parked vehicle, as vehicles can heat up very quickly in warm weather.According to the charity Kids and Car Safety, a child’s body heats up three to five times faster than an adult's. In the United States, around 40 children die each year in hot vehicles - roughly one every nine days.The charity also reports that 86 per cent of children who have died in these incidents were aged three or under.Today16:35 BSTTips to stay safe during a heatwaveLook out for people who may struggle to keep cool and hydrated. Older people, those with underlying health conditions and people living alone are particularly at riskClose curtains in rooms facing the sun to help keep heat outDrink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcoholNever leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animalsTry to stay out of the sun between 11am and 3pm, when UV rays are strongestWalk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat if you need to go outside in the heatAvoid physical exertion during the hottest parts of the dayTake water with you when travelling, as journeys can take longer than expectedKeep up to date with the latest weather forecast and any extreme heat warningsIf you are entering open water to cool down, take care and follow local safety adviceToday16:33 BSTMain health risks posed by heatwaveThe NHS identifies the main health risks posed by a heatwave as:Dehydration caused by not drinking enough waterOverheating, which can worsen symptoms for people with heart or breathing problemsHeat exhaustion and heatstroke, which are potentially serious conditions caused by becoming too hotToday16:30 BSTLatest Met Office weather outlookThe Met Office has updated its UK weather outlook this afternoon.In its outlook for Saturday, the national weather service says: "A largely sunny day, although northwest Scotland, Northern Ireland and some western coasts elsewhere often cloudier with some patchy drizzle. Another very warm day for most."Its outlook for Sunday to Tuesday reads: "Dry and settled with plenty of sunshine, although the far northwest cloudier with some rain at times. Feeling very warm or hot by day with potentially warm nights too."Today16:17 BSTBBC Weather's temperature predictionsBBC Weather says temperatures will rise to 29C tomorrow and 31C on Sunday, with 32C on Monday on Tuesday. Temperatures are then expected to drop to 24C on Wednesday.Today15:59 BSTTemperatures to rise well above average on SundayTemperatures are expected to reach 32C on Sunday. Areas of deep red on the map below shows where temperatures will rise well above the seasonal average.Temperature anomaly map for SundayToday15:44 BST'Very warm' conditions to follow next week, Met Office saysThere could be more "very warm" conditions next week.The Met Office forecast for May 27 to June 5 states: "With high pressure expected to remain in place for much of the UK, fine weather and light winds are likely to continue for most places."Although perhaps not as warm as the start of the week, temperatures will still be warm or very warm inland, but it will feel cooler near the coast, especially with an onshore breeze. Some patchy rain may affect the far northwest at times, with perhaps a few showers in the far south."Today15:26 BSTMet Office forecasts 'potentially warm nights'The Met Office outlook for Sunday to Tuesday states: "Dry and settled with plenty of sunshine, although the far northwest cloudier with some rain at times. Feeling very warm or hot by day with potentially warm nights too."Today15:03 BSTHow hot will it get this weekend?Temperatures are expected to soar this weekend in what looks to be the hottest days of the year so far. Here's how hot it could get:Content cannot be displayed without consentToday15:01 BSTMet Office says tomorrow 'very warm' for mostThe Met Office forecast for Saturday states: "A largely sunny day, although northwest Scotland, Northern Ireland and some western coasts elsewhere often cloudier with some patchy drizzle. Another very warm day for most."Today14:57 BSTMet Office's latest temperature predictionsIn its afternoon forecast today, the Met Office predicted highs of 31C to come tomorrow, 32C on Sunday, 33C on Monday and 32C on Tuesday - suggesting the heatwave will last for at least four days.Today14:00 BSTUK to see 33C heat blast on TuesdayMaps from WXCharts show the heatwave is set to carry on into Tuesday with London and areas to west of the capital set to sizzle at up to 33C.The forecast predicts the temperature at 6pm with large parts of the country around that area reaching up to 30C.Part of the Greater London area is set for 33CToday13:38 BSTHow Brits are spending the hottest day of 2026 so farBrits have flocked to beaches and seafronts today as the UK basks in the hottest day of the year so far. Crowds have been pictured soaking up the sunshine at Southend-on-Sea while others were seen sunbathing in Dover, Kent.People sunbathe in Dover, Kent(Image: Gareth Fuller/PA Wire)The seafront in Southend-on-Sea, Essex, today(Image: Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire)Today13:23 BSTWarmest day of 2026 so farA temperature of 26.9C has been recorded at Heathrow this afternoon, officially making today the warmest day of 2026 so far.Previously, the warmest day this year was on April 8, when temperature rose to 26.6C at London's Kew Gardens.Temperatures are set to rise even further today.Today12:36 BSTModerate to high UV levels this weekend The Met Office has warned Brits not to forget their sun cream this weekend, with UV levels expected to be moderate to high across parts of the UK.Cities including Leeds, London and Exeter are set for elevated UV levels in the coming days.Content cannot be displayed without consentToday12:22 BSTLFB warns against use of disposable barbecues due to 'risk of wildfires'The London Fire Brigade (LFB) has warned against the use of disposable barbecues over the coming days.Assistant commissioner Paul McCourt says there will be a heightened risk of wildfires in London, according to an assessment from the Met Office's Natural Hazards Partnership. The LFB has advised people to avoid using disposable barbecues and to be careful about how they dispose of cigarettes as a result.The heightened comes from "wetter-than-usual" weather, which has allowed vegetation to grow, followed by "one of the driest Aprils on record", McCourt said.Today11:56 BSTUK to become hotter than parts of Africa and MediterraneanTemperatures in the UK could peak at 33C over the bank holiday weekend. It means parts of the country will be hotter and drier than areas of the Mediterranean and North Africa, reports the BBC.Hot, humid air is pushing across north-west Europe, while colder air is affecting the south-east of Europe, including Greece and Turkey.Highs of 33C are expected on Monday(Image: Andy Commins / Daily Mirror)Today11:03 BSTTrain operators issue warnings ahead of UK heatwaveNetwork Rail has issued guidance for anyone travelling by train in areas facing blistering temperatures in the coming days.They have advised that commuters check before travelling and allow more time for journeys, carry water bottles, which can be filled up at fountains at big stations and avoid boarding trains if feeling unwell.Southern Railway has said trains are likely to be busier than usual, "particularly on routes to coastal destinations".Today10:46 BSTWhat is the difference between a yellow and amber health alert?A yellow heat health alert is issued when adverse weather is likely to affect vulnerable groups. An amber alert means weather conditions could impact the entire population or the NHS, with travel disruption likely.Yellow alert risks: Risks include a rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions, as well as an increased demand on health and social care services and heat affecting the ability of the workforce to deliver services.Amber alert risks: The same risks as above stand for places under amber alerts, but further warnings include issues managing medicines, an increased demand for power that exceeds capacity and travel delays. The current alerts have been given a risk of 12, meaning there's a 60-89% likelihood of these impacts.Today10:40 BSTMap shows huge chunk of UK under yellow and amber heat alertsA map shows where amber and yellow heat health alerts have been issued in the UKRegions that have been upgraded from yellow to amber warnings include the East Midlands, West Midlands, East England, London and South East England.Yellow and amber heat alerts have been issued across the UK(Image: UKHSA)Today10:24 BSTAmber heat health alert issued for Midlands, eastern and southeast EnglandThe UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has upgraded the heat health alert from yellow to amber.Affected regions include the Midlands, eastern and south-east England. Yellow alerts, in place from now until 5pm on Wednesday, have also come into force for south-west England and across northern England.Today09:54 BST'Exceptional spell of warmth' in the coming daysThe Bank Holiday weekend will see an exceptional spell of warmth for the rest of May as the UK braces for a heatwave, the Met Office says in its latest forecast.Temperatures began to rise yesterday, with high pressure bringing more settled conditions and clear skies for many acorss the country.The exception will be parts of western Scotland and Northern Ireland where it will be cooler and cloudier with some rain at times, the forecaster said.Today08:44 BSTHow to stay cool on public transportBrits up and down the country will be preparing to make the most of the sun this bank holiday weekend, but with thousands expected to flock to public transport networks, it's important to stay safe and keep cool while travelling.The Met Office recommends carrying water and drinking lots of fluids. Commuters who feel unwell should get off at the next stop for some fresh air."Dress light, choose light fabrics in light colours," the guidance adds. For anyone struggling, use ice packs/cold compresses to wrists, neck, elbows to help them cool down quickly. A small hand-held battery fan is also recommended during heatwaves.It's important to keep cool on public transport(Image: SWNS)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.‌