Britain bakes in what is likely to be the UK's hottest ever end to spring

Britons will sizzle in potentially the hottest ever bank holiday as a tropical heat dome pushes temperatures to 35C.

A raft of records is teetering to tumble as the nation bakes in what is likely to be the UK’s hottest end to spring.

Southern and central regions are braced for the mercury to rocket into the mid-30Cs today with highs widely in the mid to high-20Cs.

Met Office meteorologist Jonathan Vautrey said: “High pressure is across most of the UK, and the story is for wall-to-wall blue skies and sunshine.

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“Temperatures are going to climb even further on Monday, and we are likely to see 30C territory, and if we hit 33C or 34C, it would be the hottest bank holiday on record and the hottest day in May on record, indicating how exceptional this heat is.”

Freakish spring heat is being driven by a colossal dome of high pressure stretching across Britain from the Continent.

While not unusual for this time of year, its size and location driving cloudless skies under descending air have turned Britain into a greenhouse.

Hot weather is expected to hold out through the start of the week, although temperatures should ease in parts.

Met Office meteorologist Annie Shuttleworth said: “We have high pressure centred over the UK, but there is a question mark over whether we hold on to the heat from the near Continent.

“All the models show high pressure pretty close by, which means that it is going to be pretty dry through the week.

“Temperatures will remain in the 20Cs towards the middle of the week, but at the end of next weekend things could potentially turn cooler.”

Britons heading out to enjoy the sun are urged to take care as surging heat drives high UV and pollen levels.

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The UK Heath Security Agency (UKHSA) has upgraded a Heat Health Alert from yellow to amber as the heatwave grips.

Dr Anya Gopfert, the UKHSA’s consultant in health protection, 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.”

Sunbathers taking a dip along the coast are warned to be cautious of cold-water shock with sea waters still cool from winter.

Mr Vautrey said: “Coastal regions will be a little bit cooler, but sea-surface temperatures are low, so if you get into the sea, it might be a bit of a surprise.”

High pressure is expected to hold out through the rest of the week keeping temperatures above average for the end of May.

While the peak of the heatwave is likely to be today and tomorrow, its tail end is likely to drive one of the hottest ends to spring on record.

Jim Dale, meteorologist for British Weather Services and co-author of ‘Surviving Extreme Weather’, said: “The peak of the hot weather will be today and tomorrow, and while we are looking at 34C, 35C is not out of the question.

“High pressure will hold out through the week, meaning that the hot weather is going to last, although we are going to lose the very high temperatures expected over the next 48 hours.”

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