The UK is set to be hotter than Barbados this Bank Holiday weekend as temperatures are set to soar to 33C. The week-long heatwave started with a warm May day on Friday, with Cambridge, Heathrow and Cranwell, Lincolnshire seeing temperatures of 28.4C - beating the previous 2026 record of 26.6C observed in London on April 8. While the Caribbean island of Barbados is expected to reach a high of 29C on Monday, the Met Office is predicting temperatures in the UK will be even hotter on the same day, with 33C expected in the south of England and the Midlands. The current May temperature record is 32.8C, recorded at Camden Square on May 22, 1922, and also on May 29, 1944 at Horsham, Tunbridge Wells and Regent's Park. An amber heat health alert for the 'exceptional spell' of 'notable weather' for May was followed by an amber heat health alert on Friday, and will remain in place until 5pm next Wednesday. It is the earliest ever health warning to be issued for the country, as the health security agency alerts are normally only reserved for summer months. The alert will mean 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 website. New yellow alerts have been issued for the north-east and north-west of England, Yorkshire and Humber, and the South West. People enjoyed the hot weather on Sunny Sands beach in Folkestone, Kent, on Friday afternoon A man runs along the Regent's Canal in London on Friday as heat health alerts were implementedThe UK Health Security Agency has activated a heat health alert until next Wednesday The less severe alert means significant impacts on health and social care services are possible. 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.' Mr Kocher added: '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.' The UKHSA have advised people to keep their homes cool by closing windows and curtains in rooms that face the sun, and cover up with suitable clothing – such as a hat and sunglasses – when going outside. People enjoyed the warm weather while sat on the grass at St James's Park in London on Friday A sunny day for the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award celebrations at Buckingham Palace on Friday A UK heatwave is official when a location records at least three consecutive days of daily maximum temperatures which meet or exceed a specified threshold - which varies by regionThey should also seek shade and apply sunscreen regularly, and are advised to keep out of the sun between 11am and 3pm.Physical activity such as exercising or walking a dog should take place in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler, the authority added. People have also been advised to look out for signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke.Heat exhaustion symptoms include tiredness, feeling faint, intense thirst, heavy sweating, and feeling or being sick.Signs of heatstroke include confusion, lack of co-ordination, a fast heartbeat, hot skin that is not sweating, and seizures.A heatstroke is a medical emergency and people are advised to call 999 if they believe someone is experiencing one, according to UKHSA.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.'Vets have also warned pet owners to watch their animals for signs of overheating and make sure they stay hydrated by leaving plenty of water out.'With the Met Office forecasting temperatures of above 25 degrees this weekend, the UK is bracing for an intense heatwave that will put both people and pets to the test,' a spokesperson for veterinary care provider Medivet & Partners said.'As pets are unable to communicate when they are overheating, or struggling with dehydration, they are at risk of suffering in extreme conditions more than most.'Pets suffering a heatstroke may display symptoms such as excessive panting or thirst, very red gums, lethargy, and vomiting and diarrhoea.Pet owners should react by soaking their pet with cool water – or even non-toxic fluids such as cold fizzy drink, if water is not available – then contact their vet for advice.Dog owners have also been advised to restrict their walking routine to cooler times of the day.'On extremely hot days, dogs will benefit from skipping a walk completely, as evenings and early mornings are still hot enough to trigger heatstroke,' Dr Rhian Littlehales, clinical governance director at Medivet & Partners, said.'If you're not sure if the pavements are too hot, place the back of your hand on the ground for seven seconds.'If you struggle to hold it down, it's too hot to walk your dog.'