Overview

• The UK is experiencing its warmest start to May on record, with temperatures reaching 28°C by midday on Thursday and expected to hit 30°C later in the day.
• If 30°C is reached, it will be the earliest occurrence of this temperature in UK records dating back to 1860, according to the Met Office.
• Despite the high temperatures, forecasters have ruled out an official heatwave as the three-day threshold for sustained heat has not been met.
• Authorities warn of heightened wildfire risks, with crews battling a moorland blaze in the Peak District, and issue safety advisories on swimming in cold open waters.
• The warm spell follows the driest and sunniest April since 1910, with temperatures expected to drop to seasonal norms by the weekend.