Britain is enjoying a scorching heatwave this bank holiday weekend, with temperatures expected to exceed 33C in the next 48 hours. The warm weather has attracted crowds to beaches, parks, and pub gardens as the three-day weekend kicks off. The Met Office reported that the country experienced its hottest day of the year so far, with temperatures reaching 26.9C near Heathrow by lunchtime.

While many are relishing the hot spell, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued warnings for vulnerable groups such as the over-65s and individuals with existing heart or lung conditions. Amber health alerts have been issued for regions including the East Midlands, West Midlands, London, East of England, and South East, with potential significant impacts on health and social care services due to the high temperatures. Yellow alerts are in place for the rest of England.

Ahead of the holiday weekend, some travelers faced delays and queues on roads and railways. At the Dover port, holidaymakers endured up to three-hour waits, with some missing their scheduled ferry crossings due to chaos caused by new EU passport controls. The Port of Dover reported wait times of 150 to 180 minutes by lunchtime on Friday, with expectations of congestion on roads leading to the port.

Despite the disruptions, beachgoers in Folkestone and London have been enjoying the warm weather. Ice cream vans have made their appearance, signaling the start of the summer season. People have been seen diving into the sea at Brighton, working on their tans, and enjoying the sunny weather along Blackpool’s promenade. Tourists have also been taking sightseeing tours along the River Thames.