People are being reminded of an NHS-backed ‘rule’ to follow as temperatures rise across the UK. The reminder comes as the bank holiday weekend brings heat that could reach around 33C in parts of the country.
During the long weekend (May 23-25), the Met Office is predicting some of the hottest temperatures of 2026. Met Office deputy chief forecaster, Steve Kocher, said: “Temperatures will climb through the weekend, especially in the south, where 30C is likely to be recorded on Saturday and 32C on Sunday.
“Temperatures are forecast to peak on Monday when we could see 33C recorded in southern England and the Midlands. It is likely that the May and Spring UK temperature records will be broken over the Bank Holiday weekend, with forecast temperatures surpassing the existing record of 32.8C.
“As well as it being hot, there will be lots of dry and sunny weather for much of the UK. There will, however, be more cloud and some showers in Northern Ireland and western Scotland through the weekend. With relatively low sea surface temperatures, there is also likely to be some low cloud and sea fog clinging closely to western coasts.”
With high heat, Brits are being reminded to consider an 11am ‘rule’ to keep themselves and others safe during hot spell of weather. The NHS says: “Spend time in the shade when the sun is strongest. In the UK, this is between 11am and 3pm from March to October.”
People can shade themselves in a number of ways, including spending some time indoors when the heat gets too intense. The home can stay cooler during hot weather by closing curtains, despite that sounding counterintuitive.
People can also check the UV index on a weather app or website. The NHS said: “If it’s three or higher, consider protecting your skin.”
Although many people will see the weather as an opportunity to sunbathe, the NHS also reminds people that “there’s no safe or healthy way to get a tan”.
Overexposure to the sun leads to sunburn, which the NHS claims can “increase your risk of skin cancer”. The health service adds: “Sunburn does not just happen on holiday. You can burn in the UK, even when it’s cloudy.”
Who should take extra care in the sun?
Sun safety applies to everyone, but some groups need to take extra care when the weather turns bright and sunny. People who need to follow advice carefully include:
- have pale, white or light brown skin
- have freckles or red or fair hair
- have light coloured eyes
- tend to burn rather than tan
- have many moles
- have skin problems related to a medical condition
- are only exposed to intense sun occasionally (for example, while on holiday)
- are in a hot country where the sun is particularly intense
- have a family history of skin cancer
The NHS says: “People who spend a lot of time in the sun, whether it’s for work or play, are at increased risk of skin cancer if they do not take the right precautions.
“If you have naturally brown or black skin, you are less likely to get skin cancer, as darker skin has some protection against UV rays. You may also need more time in sunlight to produce the same amount of vitamin D as people with lighter skin. But you should still avoid burning and take care in the sun as people of all skin tones can get skin cancer.”