NewsUK NewsWeatherThe health service and government agency have shared guidance as 30C hits the UK13:40, 24 May 2026Updated 13:50, 24 May 2026The Met Office and NHS are urging anyone going outside to follow a 'two hour rule' as the UK continues to bask in 30C hot weather. In a new alert posted on social media, the government agency reiterated guidance from the health service that Brits should keep in mind during a heatwave.‌According to the Met Office, much of England and Wales will be dry with plenty of sunshine on Sunday (May 24). It said: "A widely hot or even very hot day with places reaching the low 30s in the southeast. Cloudier in the northwest of Scotland with rain at times." For Monday, the Met Office says: "It remains hot, especially in the south but cooler along the coasts."‌On X this afternoon, the Met Office shared a list of 'rules' for the public to keep themselves and others safe in the hot conditions. One 'rule of thumb' it recommends is based on NHS advice.‌It said: "The NHS advises that sunscreen needs to be reapplied liberally and frequently (every two hours), and straight after you have been in water, even if it's 'water resistant', and after towel drying, sweating or when it may have rubbed off."Content cannot be displayed without consentThe NHS says sunburn increases your risk of skin cancer. It is important to remember that sunburn does not just happen when you're on holiday, you can burn in the UK - even when it's cloudy.‌There's no safe or healthy way to get a tan, according to the NHS says. It adds: "A tan does not protect your skin from the sun's harmful effects. Aim to strike a balance between protecting yourself from the sun and getting enough vitamin D from sunlight."Do not rely on sunscreen alone to protect yourself from the sun. Wear suitable clothing and spend time in the shade when the sun's at its hottest."‌Make sure the sunscreen is not past its expiry date. The NHS says: "This is marked by a symbol of an open jar, an M and a number, which shows how many months the sunscreen will last once it's been opened. Do not spend any longer in the sun than you would without sunscreen."UVA protection can also be indicated by the letters "UVA" in a circle, which indicates compliance with the EU standard. When buying sunscreen, the label should have:A sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 to protect against UVB.At least four-star UVA protection.Article continues belowExtra 'protect yourself from UV' advice the Met Office has shared includes staying in the shade between 11am and 3pm, as well as covering up with suitable clothing, wraparound sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat."Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌NHSMet OfficeHeatwaveSkin cancerVitaminsWeatherWeather warning