Warmest start to May on record amid wildfires and water warnings

The UK has seen the warmest start to May on record as temperatures continue to soar, with firefighters battling wildfires and warnings over the “hidden dangers” of open water swimming.

Kew Gardens, in south-west London, registered 29.3C on Thursday afternoon, the Met Office said, taking it past the previous May 1 record high temperature of 27.4C at Lossiemouth in Moray in 1990.

Thursday was also the warmest day of the year so far beating the previous high of 26.7C reached in Wisley, Surrey, on Wednesday, the agency said.

Firefighters are battling a 2km moorland blaze which broke out near Ripponden, West Yorkshire, on Thursday.

The blaze is one of more than 400 wildfires recorded across England and Wales so far this year.

West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service was called at 12.15pm on Thursday to reports of a fire off Oldham Road.

It quickly spread in hot, dry weather and by mid-afternoon, 18 crews were at the scene with support units from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service.

By 5pm, crews were fighting two active flanks of fire, each stretching around 2km.

Firefighters used large jets, beaters, blowers, backpacks and a water relay system to tackle the flames.

The area has been split into sections to manage the response, with additional support from the Highways Agency, police and ambulance services.

There are no reports of injuries, and the public is being urged to stay away.

According to the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), as of 9am on May 1, fire and rescue services have responded to 439 wildfires since January 1.

That compares with 250 in the same period in 2022, 60 in 2023 and just 44 in 2024.

Meanwhile in Nottingham the recovery of a 16-year-old boy’s body from a lake prompted emergency services to also warn about swimming in lakes and rivers.

The boy got into difficulty while swimming at Colwick Country Park on Wednesday evening and his body was found a few hours later, Nottinghamshire Police said.

Chief Inspector David Mather said: “While work is now under way to understand how the boy came into difficulty, I would like to take this opportunity to highlight this case as a reminder of the devastating consequences of entering open water – regardless of whether people do so deliberately or inadvertently.

“As in this tragic case, open water can have hidden dangers that can prove fatal and I would urge anyone who spends any time on or near open water to use this case as a devastating reminder of that – particularly during the recent warm weather we have been experiencing.”

Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service group manager Tom Staples said: “This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the hidden dangers of open water. We urge everyone to take care around lakes, rivers, and other natural bodies of water.”

The London Fire Brigade urged caution around open-water swimming after a 32% increase in water-related incidents last month compared with the same period last year.

Patrick Goulbourne, the London Fire Brigade Assistant Commissioner, said: “With the hot weather, we understand the temptation to cool off in rivers, lakes, or other bodies of open water.

“But even when the sun is shining, water temperatures can be dangerously cold. Cold water shock can affect anyone, regardless of fitness or swimming ability.

“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 or fall without warning.

“Always think twice before jumping into open water. Unlike designated swimming areas, these environments often lack lifeguards and have hidden hazards.”

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) offered similar warnings.

Gabbi Batchelor, water safety education manager at RNLI, said: “If you are planning on swimming at a lifeguarded beach, we highly recommend you swim between the red and yellow flags as this is the area most closely monitored by lifeguards.

“If you get into trouble in the water, float to live. Tilt your head back with ears submerged and try to relax and control your breathing. Use your hands to help you stay afloat and then call for help or swim to safety if you can.”

Fire services also warned the warm weather means there is a “heightened” risk of grass and wildfires which can spread more easily during the dry spell.

Temperatures are expected to ease by Friday and Saturday will bring cooler conditions of 14C to 18C across the UK.

Stephen Dixon, a Met Office spokesman, said on Thursday afternoon: “Temperatures tomorrow will be slightly reduced from what we’ve seen today, possibly 26 or 27 degrees in the far south-east of England through the day tomorrow.”

The RAC also cautioned drivers on the roads, with spokesman Rod Dennis saying breakdowns are expected to “soar”.

“We’re urging everyone travelling to ensure they have plenty of water for themselves and any passengers in case they get stuck in traffic or break down, as well as having sunscreen, hats or an umbrella with them to protect themselves from the sun.

“Drivers must avoid driving if the low coolant light appears on the dashboard as there’s a serious risk of engine overheating”, he said.

The NHS also reported that searches for hay fever advice had doubled from Monday to Wednesday.

Duncan Burton, chief nursing officer for England, said: “While I’m sure most people will be delighted to be able to enjoy the warmth and sunshine at this time of year, the warm weather brings an increase in the pollen count that can cause discomfort for hay fever sufferers.

“Most people will be able to manage their symptoms with medication that is available off the shelf from community pharmacies and supermarkets, and the NHS website has more advice on how to deal with the discomfort.”

Published: 01/05/2025 by Radio NewsHubClick here to read this story in full at Radio News Hub