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Daily Mirror
01-05-2025
- Climate
- Daily Mirror
UK households urged to keep windows closed from Friday until Saturday
Hot weather is still expected in parts of the country on Friday and Saturday, as the Met Office confirmed 29C was recorded in London this week - and Brits are being urged to take action Brits are being warned to keep their windows shut - along with their curtains and blinds - from today until at least Saturday as temperatures soar unexpectedly. Today saw a sharp rise in the mercury, with the Met Office confirming a sizzling 29.3C at Kew Gardens, London. While the heat is set to dip slightly, parts of the UK can still anticipate balmy conditions on Friday and Saturday. Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Michael Silverstone commented on Wednesday: "We are experiencing a brief very warm or even hot spell, which isn't abnormal for the time of year. However, if we reach 30C on Thursday, May 1, it will be the earliest date in May that the UK has seen 30C since our records began in 1860." He added: "This week has already seen highs of 24.5C at St James's Park on Monday and 24.9C at Ross-on-Wye and Trawsgoed on Tuesday. Temperatures are set to climb to 29C or even 30C [on Thursday]. By Friday, the heat will start to ease, though parts of the south and south east may still reach 27C or 28C. The weekend will bring cooler conditions, with more average temperatures for all parts by Sunday." As the UK faces a scorching May sun, our homes are heating up - challenging the high insulation designed for chilly British winters. It means British households are encouraged to introduce steps that will maintain cooler indoor environments during sunny spells. Energy experts are dishing out advice on how to keep our homes cool without burning cash. OVO Energy advises against the urge to open windows during a heatwave, saying: "Tempting as it is to fling open the windows at the first sign of summer, it's not actually the best idea. To keep your house cool, you need to keep the hot air out." The firm suggests keeping windows firmly shut. It added: "This means keeping windows closed during the day – particularly south-facing windows. Keep curtains, blinds and windows shut when the sun is shining directly on them, and when you're out. Try opening windows on the most shaded side of your home, to avoid sunlight and hot air getting in." BOXT's Andy Kerr says Brits struggle with getting rid of the heat because homes here are built like toasty fortresses designed to cling onto warmth. Many believe that blasting fans or leaving windows wide open will cut through the heat – but Andy says otherwise. He said: "Getting rid of unwanted heat in your home can be difficult in the summer months, especially when most UK properties are built to retain heat. While grabbing a fan or opening up all your windows are often mentioned as effective ways to cool your home, these methods may not result in the desired results. "To help homeowners keep cool as the warmer months approach, we have revealed which common home cooling hacks are myths and why they don't work so you can avoid them this summer. When temperatures are particularly warm, opening up all your windows will let more hot air into your home, heating up your home and making you feel warmer. "Instead of opening all your windows, it is much better to strategically open windows to create cross breezes throughout the day and open your windows during the night to let cooler air in."
Daily Mail
01-05-2025
- Climate
- Daily Mail
Britain's warmest May Day ever today
By Britain sweltered through the hottest ever start to May today with temperatures set to hit 30C (86F) at the earliest point of the year on record. The Met Office confirmed that with the Kew Gardens in London hitting 28.0C (82.4F) this afternoon and 'still climbing', today is officially the hottest May Day ever. It beat the previous all-time high for May 1 of 27.4C (81.3F) at Lossiemouth in Moray in 1990. Today marks the UK's hottest day of 2025 so far for the fourth consecutive day, after highs of 26.7C (80.1F), 24.9C (76.8F) and 24.5C (76.1F) for the past three days. Students from the University of St Andrews made the most of the warm conditions at sunrise to part in the traditional May Day Dip on the East Sands in the Fife town. Plunging into the North Sea at dawn on the first day of May is said to promote good luck in exams - with hundreds seen excitedly running into the water this morning. Elsewhere, morris dancers welcomed the start of the month as celebrations took place across the country to mark the arrival of May Day. Festivals dating back hundreds of years traditionally take place at what is seen as the beginning of summer. But tragedy struck in Nottingham where a body has been found in the search for a 16-year-old boy who went missing while swimming at Colwick Country Park . Very warm weather continues tomorrow with 26C (79F) highs before temperatures drop this weekend with 19C (66F) on Saturday and 16C (61F) on Sunday. Bank Holiday Monday will also be significantly cooler with highs of just 14C (57F) before next Tuesday and Wednesday get up to only 15C (59F) or 16C (61F). It is good news for hayfever sufferers after the Met Office imposed a 'very high' pollen warning for all of southern England, the Midlands and Wales today. This is replaced by a 'high' warning tomorrow, 'medium' on Saturday and 'low' on Sunday. But it could be the warmest start to May ever today, with Met Office meteorologist Michael Silverstone saying temperatures could climb to '29C or even 30C'. He added: 'If we reach 30C on Thursday, it will be the earliest date in May that the UK has seen 30C since our records began in 1860.' Temperatures are about 7C to 13C above the average for early May. The highest ever recorded temperature in May was 32.8C (91.0F) on May 22, 1922, in London. The Met Office said temperatures reached 26.7C (80.1F) yesterday in Wisley, Surrey, - making it the warmest day of the year so far. That came after temperatures hit 24.9C (76.8F) on Tuesday in Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire; and 24.5C (76.1F) on Monday at St James's Park in London. Despite the soaring temperatures, the all-time April high of 29.4C (84.9F) at Camden Square in London in 1949 was not broken. But some farmers have been struggling with the unseasonably hot weather – including Andy Barr, who owns an 800-acre farm in Kent where he grows barley, wheat, beans and rapeseed. He told BBC Radio 5 Live : 'We're having to do things in the fields very early and later in the evening to try and cope with the hot weather.' 'Admittedly, it could be close for a few places in the South, though, with temperatures either today or Friday only just failing to exceed the required threshold,' Mr Silverstone said. The London Fire Brigade (LFB) has urged caution around open-water swimming after a 32 per cent increase in water-related incidents last month compared with the same period last year. Craig Carter, LFB assistant commissioner for prevention and protection, said: 'Even when the sun is shining, water temperatures can be dangerously cold. Cold water shock can affect anyone, no matter how fit or experienced they are. 'It can lead to water inhalation and, in the worst cases, drowning. Be particularly careful near the water's edge, it's easy to slip and fall unexpectedly. And think twice before jumping into open water.' RAC spokesperson Rod Dennis said: 'Breakdowns are expected to soar over the next few days, as temperatures in many parts do the same. 'We're urging everyone travelling to ensure they have plenty of water for themselves and any passengers in case they get stuck in traffic or break down, as well as having sunscreen, hats or an umbrella with them to protect themselves from the sun. 'Drivers must avoid driving if the low coolant light appears on the dashboard as there's a serious risk of engine overheating.' Yesterday, trains were delayed in areas of London, Berkshire and Yorkshire because of the hot weather. Great Western Railway said fewer trains could run between London Paddington and Reading because of a speed restriction brought in due to 'high track temperatures'. The same problem impacted TransPennine Express services between Malton and York stations in North Yorkshire, and Stalybridge and Huddersfield in West Yorkshire. It comes ahead of the May Day bank holiday, with Britons being warned to avoid driving tomorrow amid fears of road chaos as motorists plan a million more leisure trips by car this year. The worst jams tomorrow are expected in the late afternoon and evening when holiday and commuter traffic combine – with motorists urged to travel before 10am. Experts at the RAC also encouraged drivers to take to the roads before 11am or after 3pm if they are travelling on the Saturday, Sunday or Bank Holiday Monday. Some 17million motorists are set to hit the roads between Friday and Monday, with traffic hotspots expected to include the A720 Edinburgh bypass towards Dreghorn. The M25 clockwise from the South Mimms interchange to Essex could see delays of 40 minutes from 4pm on Friday as commuter traffic combines with holiday trips. And the M5 southbound is expected to see delays of a similar duration from 7pm between the J15 Almondsbury interchange at Bristol and J23 for Bridgwater. Some 22million working Brits have booked annual leave around the May bank holidays, according to data from the latest Virgin Media O2 Business Movers Index. The firm also said 41 per cent of UK workers admitted to having called in sick at some stage to take advantage of a sunny day off. The retailer Lakeland said it had seen significant increases in sales over the past week for ice cream makers, barbecues, pizza ovens and outdoor airers and pegs. Ice cream makers are up by 248 per cent week on week, while barbecue sales are up by 1,535 per cent in the same time. Pizza oven sales are up by 105 per cent too, while outdoor drying products are up by 244 per cent. Meanwhile Toolstation reported sales of lawnmowers increased by 136 per cent over the last week, while hedge trimmers rose by 76 per cent week on week. Watering cans are up by 109 per cent. Want more stories like this from the Daily Mail? Visit our profile page and hit the follow button above for more of the news you need.
Daily Mirror
01-05-2025
- Climate
- Daily Mirror
Met Office confirms hottest day of the year with 28C and gives verdict on heatwave
The Met Office has declared today as the hottest day of the year so far with temperatures in the UK soaring to a sweltering 28 C. A blast of summer has gloriously struck the country, bringing hot weather to the country in a record-breaking start to May. With the temperature at Kew Gardens in London reaching 28.0 °C and still climbing, it is now officially the warmest start to May on record for the UK. The previous record for May was 27.4C recorded at Lossiemouth, Moray, on May 1 1990. The Met Office said in a post on X: 'With the temperature at Kew Gardens reaching 28C and still climbing, it is now officially the warmest start to May on record for the UK. The previous May 1st record high temperature was 27.4C at Lossiemouth in Scotland in 1990.' Despite the mercury reaching its highest point so far this year, forecasters say it is not hot enough to declare an official heatwave so the UK Health Security Agency will not issue a heat-health alert, despite parts of the country reaching 30C. Parts of the England saw temperatures on Tuesday start to rise to near 25C, marking the start of this weeks beautiful warm weather. The town of Wisley, in Surrey, even saw mercury reaching an unprecedented 26.7C on on Wednesday – making it the warmest day of the year before today's new record high. The previous high was 24.5C in St James's Park, London, on Monday, which reached 24.7C on Mercury to hit sweltering 30C TODAY as Met Office gives UK heatwave verdict Todays 30C temperature peak has official marked this as the warmest start to May since records began. The Met Office described the weather as "hot sunshine" but warned the sweltering heat could bring on rain in some parts of the UK, saying there will also be "heavy showers and isolated thunderstorms through the afternoon". Parts of the Midlands, including areas near Birmingham, and parts of eastern Wales could experience patches of showers amid the summerlike heat. Despite this, the weeks hot weather won't be enough to declare a heatwave as temperatures must see a location hit a certain minimum temperature for at least three days. For example, in London the weather must be at least 28C for three days for heatwave to be called. Todays amazing heat will start to ease by Friday, though parts of the south and southeast may still reach 27C or 28C. Michael Silverstone, deputy chief meteorologist at the Met Office, said: "The weekend will bring cooler conditions, with more average temperatures for all parts by Sunday. "Based on the definition of a heatwave, it looks unlikely that we'll reach one this week. Admittedly, it could be close for a few places in the south though, with temperatures either today or Friday only just failing to exceed the required threshold." The weather next week will take a step down from the glorious sunshine and heat millions of Brits have experienced this week. Temperatures are set to drop again with some areas due to get typical British rain. The Met Office said: "Mainly dry with spells of sunshine across the UK at the start of this period, and feeling slightly less warm than the previous week. "A few showers are likely in places, mainly along coasts in the north and east. Little change is expected through the working week, with a large amount of dry weather and sunny spells. "Some showers or longer spells of rain may develop at times, and if they do they are most likely to affect the north of the UK, while further south dry weather is likely to prevail. Winds will mostly be light, but could become stronger at times in the far north."
CTV News
01-05-2025
- Climate
- CTV News
U.K. could hit 30 degrees Celsius at earliest recorded point in a year
LONDON — The U.K. is set for its hottest day of the year so far on Thursday, and temperatures could hit 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit) at the earliest recorded point in the calendar, forecasters said. Following one of the warmest and driest Aprils on record, forecasters said the mercury will likely peak in London, before cooler weather starts to drift in from the north on Friday — bad timing for those looking to bask in the sunshine over the coming three-day weekend. Monday is a public holiday in the U.K. Michael Silverstone, deputy chief meteorologist at the Met Office, the U.K.'s national weather service, said it's possible temperatures on Thursday could hit 30C in southern England. If so, he said it 'will be the earliest date in May that the U.K. has seen 30 degrees since our records began in 1860.' On Wednesday, the Met Office said temperatures reached 26.7 degrees in Wisley, just south of London, making it the warmest day of the year so far. Authorities urged people to be cautious if choosing to go swimming as the water temperature in lakes and the sea remain low given the time of the year. The London Fire Brigade has also urged caution around open-water swimming after a 32% increase in water-related incidents last month compared with the same period last year. 'Even when the sun is shining, water temperatures can be dangerously cold,' said Craig Carter, its assistant commissioner for prevention and protection. 'Cold water shock can affect anyone, no matter how fit or experienced they are.' Police said Thursday that the body of a 16-year-old boy was found in a lake in Nottingham. 'While work is now under way to understand how the boy came into difficulty, I would like to take this opportunity to highlight this case as a reminder of the devastating consequences of entering open water, regardless of whether people do so deliberately or inadvertently,' said Chief Inspector David Mather of Nottinghamshire Police.
Winnipeg Free Press
01-05-2025
- Climate
- Winnipeg Free Press
UK could hit 30 degrees Celsius at earliest recorded point in a year
LONDON (AP) — The U.K. is set for its hottest day of the year so far on Thursday, and temperatures could hit 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit) at the earliest recorded point in the calendar, forecasters said. Following one of the warmest and driest Aprils on record, forecasters said the mercury will likely peak in London, before cooler weather starts to drift in from the north on Friday — bad timing for those looking to bask in the sunshine over the coming three-day weekend. Monday is a public holiday in the U.K. Michael Silverstone, deputy chief meteorologist at the Met Office, the U.K.'s national weather service, said it's possible temperatures on Thursday could hit 30C in southern England. If so, he said it 'will be the earliest date in May that the U.K. has seen 30 degrees since our records began in 1860.' On Wednesday, the Met Office said temperatures reached 26.7 degrees in Wisley, just south of London, making it the warmest day of the year so far. Authorities urged people to be cautious if choosing to go swimming as the water temperature in lakes and the sea remain low given the time of the year. The London Fire Brigade has also urged caution around open-water swimming after a 32% increase in water-related incidents last month compared with the same period last year. 'Even when the sun is shining, water temperatures can be dangerously cold,' said Craig Carter, its assistant commissioner for prevention and protection. 'Cold water shock can affect anyone, no matter how fit or experienced they are.' During Elections Get campaign news, insight, analysis and commentary delivered to your inbox during Canada's 2025 election. Police said Thursday that the body of a 16-year-old boy was found in a lake in Nottingham. 'While work is now under way to understand how the boy came into difficulty, I would like to take this opportunity to highlight this case as a reminder of the devastating consequences of entering open water, regardless of whether people do so deliberately or inadvertently,' said Chief Inspector David Mather of Nottinghamshire Police.
