Today will see plenty of sunshine across the UK, but with a few showers developing across Northern Ireland and Scotland later in the day. Temperatures are set to be widely over 20°C, with maximum temperatures expected to reach 27°C, maybe even 28°C, across parts of central and southern UK. Overnight temperatures will be high for some places for the time of year.

The highest recorded April temperature was in 1949 when Camden Square in London recorded 29.4°C on 16 April; the highest May temperature recorded was 32.8°C on 22 May 1922, again in Camden Square, and then equalled on 29 May 1944 at Horsham, Tunbridge Wells and Regent’s Park.  

High temperatures but heatwave unlikely

Deputy Chief Meteorologist Michael Silverstone said: “We are experiencing a brief very warm or even hot spell, which isn’t abnormal for the time of year. However, if we reach 30°C on Thursday, 1st May, it will be the earliest date in May that the UK has seen 30°C since our records began in 1860.”

He continues: “This week has already seen highs of 24.5°C at St James’s Park on Monday and 24.9°C at Ross-on-Wye and Trawsgoed on Tuesday. Today, temperatures are set to reach around 27°C, maybe even 28°C, then climbing to 29°C or even 30°C tomorrow. By Friday, the heat will start to ease, though parts of the south and southeast may still reach 27°C or 28°C. The weekend will bring cooler conditions, with more average temperatures for all parts by Sunday.

“Based on the definition of a heatwave, it looks unlikely that we’ll reach one this week. 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.”

What is the definition for a UK heatwave? 

A UK heatwave threshold is met when a location records a period of at least three consecutive days with daily maximum temperatures meeting or exceeding the heatwave temperature threshold. The threshold varies by UK county, see the UK temperature threshold map below.

High UV and pollen levels

UV and pollen levels will also be high this week. Stay safe with tips from the NHS and get pollen alerts directly to your phone on the Met Office app, or visit the pollen forecast on the Met Office website.  

Our WeatherReady pages have lots of advice from our partners about taking care in the heat.

Whilst you may be tempted to head to the coast for a paddle or swim, bear in mind that the sea is still pretty cold at this time of year. Gareth Morrison, Head of Water Safety for the RNLI said: "With the warm weather forecast this week, we want to remind everyone to stay safe when visiting the coast. Whilst the air temperature will be high, water temperature remain dangerously cold. If possible, choose a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags.

"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. It's OK if your legs sink, we all float differently. In any coastal emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard."

It is important to also think of pets in the hot weather too. Dr. Elizabeth Mullineaux, President of the British Veterinary Association said: “Like us, animals also struggle when temperatures soar. Each year, vets see pets suffering from heat-related problems and illnesses, such as heatstroke, breathing problems, burnt paw pads and sunburn. Remember, be sure your animals have access to fresh drinking water, good ventilation and shade from direct sunlight at all times in the summer.” 

A fall in temperatures towards the end of the week

Temperatures will start to fall from Friday, although values in parts of the south and  south may still reach 27°C or 28°C. Temperatures will start to fall from Friday, although values in parts of the south and south may still reach 27°C or 28°C. There is the chance of some showers and thunderstorms developing, most likely in the south/southwest later on Thursday or overnight. There is then some uncertainty in the weather as we move towards the weekend, as an area of low pressure tries to move up from the south.  

Keep up to date with weather warnings, and you can find the latest forecast on our website, on YouTube, by following us on X and Facebook, as well as on our mobile app which is available for iPhone from the App store and for Android from the Google Play store.