Health bosses are bracing for a rise in hospitalisations and increased pressure on the NHS as an early spring heatwave descends on the UK - temperatures are set to break seasonal records07:09, 23 May 2026Temperatures could top a sweltering 35C over the next few days as Britain braces for an 'exceptional' early heatwave, forecasters have said.‌Sweltering summer-like conditions are expected to last throughout the three-day bank holiday weekend, with heat warnings issued across much of the country as health officials brace for increased hospitalisations and pressure on social care service.‌The mercury is expected to rise to 33C by Sunday, while current models are estimating a roughly 10% chance that temperatures could climb as high as 35C in southern England.‌It means the country is set for its warmest May on record - beating the 32.8C recorded across the southeast on May 29, 1944.READ MORE: UK heatwave in scorching pictures as Britain basks in glorious 27C ahead of bank holiday weekendREAD MORE: Major announcement on self-driving cars that could 'transform' British roadsExplaining the potential impacts of the heatwave, Jim Dale from British Weather Services said: "Everything's coming early, and it's going to be a big change. If we see those temperatures, more heat warnings will be pushed out. For people who suffer in the heat, the issue is that with this kind of heat you also get increased humidity, and that's the thing that gets people down more than anything.‌"Tropical nights - meaning it doesn't fall below 20 degrees - are on the cards, and as always, it's going to be places like London, the South East, and into East Anglia. That's what we're looking at, so health warnings are going to be issued, and rightly so."The other side of the coin is to enjoy it while we've got it, but look over your shoulder, because there's arguably a long way to go this summer. If we're seeing these sorts of temperatures now, imagine what we might see with the right synoptic situation and airflow in July and August. If this were mid-to-late July, we'd probably be looking at an all-time record."‌UKHSA amber heat health alerts are currently in effect for the East Midlands, West Midlands, the east of England, London and the South East.The alerts are in place from 2pm on Friday until 5pm next Wednesday, and replace less severe yellow alerts which were previously in place.This means there is likely to be "a rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions" and increased demand on all health and social care services, according to the UKHSA.Article continues belowYellow alerts will meanwhile be in force across the rest of England.Dr Anya Gopfert, consultant in health protection at UKHSA, said: "We know that even moderate heat can lead to serious health problems, especially for older people and those with certain health conditions, so it’s important that everyone takes simple precautions while enjoying the warm weather over the coming days."If you have friends, family or neighbours who are more vulnerable, it is important to check in on them and ensure they are aware of the forecasts and are following the necessary advice."