Met Office delivers 30C verdict as UK heatwave set to smash records today

The first of May is forecast to be the hottest day of the year so far, with temperatures today potentially soaring to a record-breaking 30C.

According to Met Office meteorologist Michael Silverstone, the UK may experience its warmest May onset on record, with temperatures expected to climb to "29C or even 30C."

Silverstone stated that if the hot weather spikes to 30C today, it would mark the earliest date in May that the UK has reached 30C since records began in 1860. On Tuesday, the Met Office recorded a temperature of 24.9C in Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire, making it the warmest day of the year so far.

The previous high of 24.5C, recorded in St James's Park, London, on Monday, was surpassed on Tuesday with a reading of 24.7C. Although temperatures are expected to skyrocket, the Met Office has dismissed the possibility of a heatwave this week.

Silverstone noted that it appears "unlikely" the UK will meet the criteria for a heatwave, defined as three consecutive days of temperatures exceeding the "heatwave threshold", which varies across the country.

For most of the UK, the threshold is set at 25C, increasing to 28C in London. "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," Silverstone said.

The warm weather may also challenge the record for the highest April temperature in Wales, which currently stands at 26.2C.

However, by Friday, temperatures are expected to ease, and Saturday will bring cooler conditions ranging from 14C to 18C across the UK.

The London Fire Brigade (LFB) has issued a warning to the public about the dangers of open-water swimming after incidents rose by 32 per cent last month compared to the previous year.

LFB's Assistant Commissioner for Prevention and Protection, Craig Carter, cautioned: "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."

He also added, "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."