Fred Best Tracks 32C Heat Alert for Bournemouth Beach

A yellow heat health alert is in force for the East of England, with Bournemouth Beach and the wider area under notice until 17:00 BST on 27 May. Temperatures were expected to climb through Sunday and Monday, reaching 30 to 32C on Monday.

Fred Best on Sunday and Monday

Fred Best, a Norwich-based forecaster at Weatherquest, said: "Temperatures will increase through Sunday and Monday." He also said: "It will be an exceptionally hot weekend and, compared with average temperatures for the time of year, which for late May are 18C (64F), we're well above average for what we'd expect to see this time of year."

The warning came ahead of the bank holiday weekend, when the East of England is expected to face the hottest stretch of the period. The UK Health Security Agency issued the alert and said vulnerable people were at greater risk from the soaring temperatures.

UK Health Security Agency warning

The agency also said health and social services could face a minor impact because demand may rise during the hot spell. Monday’s forecast peak of 30 to 32C would leave England close to levels last seen in May 2005, when temperatures last exceeded 30C in the month.

For people spending time at Bournemouth Beach or elsewhere in the alert area, the practical takeaway is simple: the heat is not a one-day spike. It stretches over several days, rises through Sunday and Monday, and stays in place until late afternoon on 27 May.