UK weather: Heatwave forecast and health alerts issued as temperatures set to hit 30C

A series of health alerts have been issued as forecasters warned a heatwave could see temperatures hit 30C in parts of the UK over the coming days.

The UK Health Security Agency said the heat health alerts would be in effect for five days in the East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England, London and South East from 9am on Friday until 5pm next Wednesday.

Officials warned the conditions would cause a greater risk to life for vulnerable people, with an increased danger of water-related incidents such as drowning and cold-water shock.

Sky News weather presenter Jo Wheeler said the country was likely to experience its hottest day of the year so far over the weekend.

"It's finally turning warmer this week, with temperatures expected to reach 28C in the south on Friday and Saturday," she said.

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"There is a chance of 30C in some areas - which is rare for May and last seen in the UK in 2012. That would be the hottest temperature we've seen this year, with the previous high standing at 26.6C at Kew Gardens on 8 April.

"The high pressure becoming established over the UK next week promised good weather for the half-term break - and we could see heatwave criteria being met in a few spots."

Met Office forecasters predict weekend temperatures up to 29C in London, before the heat becomes even more intense with 30C in the capital and some surrounding areas on Monday.

The average high temperature for May in London is around 19C.

Experts warn unusually hot weather conditions such as those forecast over the next week are caused by the human-induced climate crisis.

Greenhouse gases are raising global temperatures, making extreme hot days in the UK over 30 times more likely than in the pre-industrial era.

Global warming caused by burning fossil fuels is the primary driver - causing the UK to have warmed by around 1.7C.

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