The upcoming Bank Holiday weekend may bring scorching temperatures of up to 33C, potentially marking an official heatwave, as per the latest forecasts from the Met Office.

Meteorologists anticipate a climb in temperatures, with Saturday reaching 30C, followed by 32C on Sunday, and a sweltering 33C on Monday, possibly setting a new record for the hottest May temperature. The current May record stands at 32.8C.

The south-east of England is projected to experience the highest temperatures, with other regions like central England, western England, and parts of Wales also expected to reach heatwave conditions, according to the Met Office.

Officially, a heatwave is declared when temperatures exceed the heatwave threshold for three consecutive days, which varies from 25C to 28C across different regions.

While hitting 30°C in May is uncommon, historical data reveals instances of high temperatures during this month, with the highest recorded May temperature being 32.8°C. Significant heat days in the past include readings in various locations like Greater London and southeast England.

As the UK gears up for the soaring temperatures, safety precautions are being emphasized by organizations like the RNLI and the British Red Cross to ensure people stay safe and hydrated during the heatwave. Skin safety is also a concern as cases of melanoma skin cancer are on the rise, prompting warnings to protect against sun exposure.