A blazing heatwave of 35 degrees Celsius was poised to engulf the UK during this bank holiday weekend, drawing crowds to beaches for what has been coined as “May’s scorching flip-flop.” After a period of chilly weather, the UK is bracing for potentially record-breaking heat over the late May bank holiday, as per a meteorological specialist. Some regions may experience temperatures 2-3 degrees Celsius higher than the previous May record on Monday.

The intense heat is making a fierce comeback to the UK following a drastic drop in temperatures earlier in the week, according to Jim Dale, a senior meteorologist at British Weather Services. The sudden rise in heat is attributed to an influx of warm air from Africa, following closely on the heels of an Arctic cold front.

Expecting the hottest day of the long weekend on Bank Holiday Monday, with London potentially reaching a remarkable 35 degrees Celsius, nearly 3 degrees above the previous May record. Additionally, several other counties, including Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk, and others, could also see temperatures soaring to 35 degrees Celsius on Monday.

In the northern regions, there are predictions of record-breaking temperatures on a local scale, with parts of Scotland and northwest England forecasted to reach up to 29 degrees Celsius. These exceptionally high temperatures are speculated to be influenced by climate change, according to Mr. Dale.

Saturday is forecasted to be similar to Friday, with possible thundery showers, and temperatures ranging between 24-25 degrees Celsius in certain areas. Sunday could see temperatures climbing to 27-28 degrees Celsius, before a significant spike on Bank Holiday Monday. Tuesday’s temperatures are expected to remain high, subject to wind patterns and cloud cover.

The Met Office also anticipates the peak of the heatwave to occur on Monday, with high pressure prevailing across the UK, potentially bringing even more sunshine and warmth to cooler regions. The bank holiday Monday is likely to feel more like mid-summer than late May, with temperatures well above average and a chance to surpass existing late-May records.

An amber heat health alert has been issued for the East of England, indicating a risk of significant disruptions in health and social care services due to excessive indoor temperatures. The alert is in effect from 2 pm on Friday until 5 pm on Wednesday, according to the UK Health Security Agency.