Sweltering May Day to be hottest of the year so far in the South West
Temperatures could hit 30C at the earliest point on record
Thursday is expected to be the hottest day of the year so far, with forecasters at the Exeter-based Met Office predicting temperatures could hit 30C at the earliest point on record.
The UK could face the warmest start to May ever, with meteorologist Michael Silverstone saying temperatures could climb to "29C or even 30C".
He added: "If we reach 30C on Thursday, it will be the earliest date in May that the UK has seen 30C since our records began in 1860."
The Met Office said temperatures reached 26.7C in Wisley, Surrey on Wednesday - making it the warmest day of the year so far.
The previous high was 24.5C in St James's Park, London, on Monday, which reached 24.7C on Tuesday.
Despite the soaring temperatures, the Met Office has ruled out a heatwave this week.
Mr Silverstone said it looks "unlikely" the UK will reach a heatwave - which is defined as three consecutive days of temperatures exceeding the "heatwave threshold", which varies across the country.
The threshold is 25C for most of the UK, rising to 28C in London.
"Admittedly, it could be close for a few places in the South, though, with temperatures either today or Friday only just failing to exceed the required threshold," Mr Silverstone said.
The warm weather could also challenge the record for the highest April temperature in Wales, which is 26.2C.
But temperatures are expected to ease by Friday, and Saturday will bring cooler conditions of 14C to 18C across the UK.
The London Fire Brigade (LFB) has urged caution around open-water swimming after a 32% increase in water-related incidents last month compared with the same period last year.
Craig Carter, LFB assistant commissioner for prevention and protection, said: "Even when the sun is shining, water temperatures can be dangerously cold. Cold water shock can affect anyone, no matter how fit or experienced they are.
"It can lead to water inhalation and, in the worst cases, drowning. Be particularly careful near the water's edge, it's easy to slip and fall unexpectedly. And think twice before jumping into open water."
Stay safe on the coast
And if you're close to the sea - the RNLI is urging people to stay safe.
Their message is:
- Choose a lifeguarded beach where possible
- Swim between the red and yellow flags
- If you get into trouble in the water, Float to Live
- If you see someone in trouble, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard
Gabbi Batchelor, RNLI Water Safety Education Manager, said: ‘If you are planning on swimming at a lifeguarded beach, we highly recommend you swim between the red and yellow flags as this is the area most closely monitored by lifeguards.
‘If you get into trouble in the water, Float to Live. Tilt your head back with ears submerged and try to relax and control your breathing. Use your hands to help you stay afloat and then call for help or swim to safety if you can.
‘Please share these messages with your family and friends, we want everyone to enjoy our beautiful coast, whilst staying safe.’
If you're driving
As temperatures in the UK are set to hit 30 degrees during the start of the May Day bank holiday, the RAC has issued the following advice for drivers:
RAC spokesperson, from Bristol, Rod Dennis said: “Breakdowns are expected to soar over the next few days, as temperatures in many parts do the same. We’re urging everyone travelling to ensure they have plenty of water for themselves and any passengers in case they get stuck in traffic or break down, as well as having sunscreen, hats or an umbrella with them to protect themselves from the sun.
"Drivers must avoid driving if the low coolant light appears on the dashboard as there’s a serious risk of engine overheating."