Temperatures could hit 29C in warmest start to May on record

St James's Park in London on Monday, where the highest temperature of the year so far was recorded

Temperatures in the UK could reach 29C (82F) this week, after the warmest day of the year so far was recorded on Monday.

The 24.5C recorded at St James's Park in London will likely be exceeded in the capital on Tuesday, with the UK set to see its warmest start to May on record.

Temperatures are expected to peak on the first day of the month on Thursday as voters head to the polls for local elections in England, with high UV and pollen levels also likely.

The weather will gradually cool over the bank holiday weekend, although it will stay dry and sunny for most.

Temperatures on Tuesday are expected to reach 17C in northern Scotland, 20C in Edinburgh and Belfast, 21C in Plymouth, 23C in Liverpool, 24C in Cardiff and 25C in London.

They will widely be in the low to mid-twenties on Wednesday, with the hottest weather likely around the London area at 27C.

The last time this temperature was recorded in April was in 2018 in Cambridge.

People out punting in the sunshine along the River Cam in Cambridge

On Thursday, it will get slightly cooler across Scotland and Northern Ireland, as temperatures drop to 13-16C.

But in the south of England, the heat will continue to build and likely result in the UK's warmest start to May on record at 29C.

This exceeds the previous 1 May record of 27.4C at Lossiemouth in 1990.

The warmer than average weather is coming in from southern Europe on a south or south-easterly wind.

With high pressure not changing significantly - or becoming blocked - through the week, strong sunshine also adds to further warming of the air in the UK.

But with increasing humidity on Thursday, there is also a risk of some heavy and possibly thundery showers breaking out across England and Wales.

Workers in London enjoying the sunshine at lunchtime

Temperatures will gradually fall over the long weekend. However, it will stay dry in most areas, with lengthy sunny spells and light winds.

Northern Scotland and eastern parts of the UK are expected to see the cloudiest weather, especially on Sunday.

By Monday, temperatures will drop to between 12C and 17C across the UK - looking more like the average for early May.

Is the UK experiencing a heatwave?

It is not likely that this spell of warm weather will qualify as a heatwave.

This would need at least three consecutive days at or above the "heatwave threshold," which varies depending on where you are in the UK.

It is not unusual to see this type of hot spell in the spring, and April can bring big swings in temperature.

But as our climate continues to warm, this type of spring heat is expected occur more often. Recent analysis found that spring is the fastest-warming season in the UK.

Meanwhile, UV levels across most parts of the UK are expected to be high, except for northern Scotland where they will be moderate.

Some UV radiation is crucial for our wellbeing, enabling our skin to produce essential vitamin D, but too much can be dangerous.

UV radiation promotes skin cancer by damaging DNA in skin cells. Exposure has also been linked to eye problems.

You can also burn just as quickly when it is cloudy, and the sun is as strong this time of year as it is in August.

The NHS recommends spending time in the shade when the sun is strongest, using at least factor 30 sunscreen and reapplying it every two hours, and taking extra care with children.

High temperatures can also affect the body. To stay safe, the UK Health Security Agency recommends drinking plenty of fluids, staying cool indoors, and avoiding exercise during the hottest parts of the day.

Some even took to the beach in Dover