Temperatures reached record-breaking highs over the late May bank holiday, but the heat is not going to last for much longer
File image of Paignton Sands (Image: Devon Live, Steve Pope)
Devon and the South West is currently baking in a heatwave, with record-breaking temperatures over the bank holiday weekend, but the heat isn’t going to last much longer.
Despite temperatures hitting nearly 35°C in the South East, marking a provisional all-time hottest spring temperature, things will begin to cool as we move towards the weekend.
Over the late May bank holiday weekend, temperatures exceeded 28°C in Devon and forecasters at the Exeter-based Met Office expect temperatures to remain high for the rest of the week.
Although we can expect a few more days of the hot weather, it’s good news for those not enjoying the heat, as temperatures will drop back to spring-time average ahead of the weekend.
The Met Office predicts temperatures to begin to cool to the low 20s on Friday, May 29, with some cloudy skies.
There will be highs of 22°C on Friday and Saturday, and lows of 9°C and 14°C as things noticeably cool off.
As well as temperatures dropping, there will be overcast skies, and even rain showers expected at the start of next week (Monday, June 1).
However, before things cool, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued an amber heat-health alert for the South West from 10am today (May 26) until 5pm on Thursday (May 28).
It said “significant impacts” are likely across health and social care services including a “rise in deaths among those aged 65 and over, with health conditions, and younger age groups”.
The UKHSA said there is a medium impact and 60-89 per cent likelihood of the disruption because of the heat over the next few days.
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.”
South West forecast:
Today, May 26: A dry and widely sunny day today across the region. Some cloud bubbling up later in the day with an outside chance of a thunderstorm. Another hot day with temperatures way above average for the time of year. Maximum temperature 33 °C.
A fine and warm evening for many, although still the risk of the odd thunderstorm at first. Remaining warm overnight with plenty of clear skies. Minimum temperature 13 °C.
Wednesday, May 27: Another dry and sunny day, although some cloud may move into the far west of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. Not as hot but still feeling very warm. Maximum temperature 30 °C.
Outlook for Thursday to Saturday: Staying largely dry and settled, although a few showers may develop from time to time. Very warm initially but it will begin to cool a little by the weekend.
