Met Office labels Devon heatwave as ‘exceptional’ with temperatures topping 30C
The Met Office told The Moorlander that the current heatwave affecting Devon, Dartmoor and Cornwall is highly unusual for May, with temperatures far above seasonal averages and dry conditions increasing concerns
Temperatures in Devon and Cornwall have climbed above 30C as the South West experiences what the Met Office has described as an “exceptional” May heatwave.
A temperature of 30.9C was recorded at Beaworthy in West Devon, while nearby Bude in Cornwall reached 31.2C on Tuesday, according to the Met Office.
Forecasters said the temperatures were well above the May average daytime high of 17C and followed the UK breaking its previous national May temperature record of 32.8C on two consecutive days.
A Met Office spokesperson told The Moorlander: “The current heatwave is exceptional. The May average daytime temperature is 17C, and at a national level the previous May record was 32.8C. We have beaten this by a considerable margin on two consecutive days.”
The hot spell has prompted the UK Health Security Agency to escalate its Heat-Health Alert for the South West from yellow to amber.
The amber alert came into force at 10am on Tuesday and remains in place until 5pm on Thursday.
Under the UKHSA and Met Office Weather-Health Alerting System, an amber alert means there is likely to be an increased impact on health and social care services, particularly affecting older people and those with existing respiratory or cardiovascular conditions.
Dr Chaam Klinger, consultant in health protection at UKHSA South West, said: “We want those living in and visiting the South West, particularly for half term, to enjoy the good weather this week.
“However, we know that even moderate heat can lead to serious health problems, especially for older people and those with certain health conditions, so it’s important that everyone takes simple precautions while enjoying the warm weather over the coming days.”
The Met Office said Wednesday was expected to bring another hot and sunny day across Devon, Dartmoor and the wider South West, although cloud and an increasing chance of showers were forecast overnight into Thursday.
Forecasters said temperatures were expected to ease gradually towards the end of the week.
The current heatwave follows what the Met Office described as a “very dry spring” and a slightly drier than average May, increasing concerns around dry conditions and wildfire risk across parts of the countryside.
UKHSA also warned people to take extra care around the South West’s coastline, rivers and open water during the warm weather, noting that cold-water shock can still affect swimmers even on hot days.
Residents have been advised to stay out of direct sun during the hottest part of the day, keep homes cool where possible, stay hydrated and check on vulnerable relatives, neighbours and friends.