UK weather: Heat set to intensify over bank holiday weekend as heatwave forecast

Monday is forecast to be the hottest May day on record with temperatures reaching 33C in south-east England.

There is a small chance of the mercury could peak at 34C.

By surpassing 32.8C, it will break the May temperature record set on the Late May Bank Holiday in 1944.

But take note if you are planning to visit the east coast of England – you may come across some mist.

By Tuesday then across Wednesday and Thursday, temperatures which have been fairly muted for Scotland and Northern Ireland begin to rise. Glasgow could reach the low to mid 20s. Western Northern Ireland could also see the warmth approaching the mid 20s.

The UK weather varies a lot naturally, but this early season heat is consistent with the long-term trend of rising temperatures as a result of human-caused climate change.

What is extraordinary about this heatwave is not only the level of heat but its duration.

The current forecast points to another hot day on Tuesday with highs up to 33C. After a breaking in the heat at midweek, temperatures will rise once again potentially reaching the high 20s or even 30C.