Third successive day of record May heat expected

The Channel Islands are set for a third successive day of record-breaking temperatures.

Highs of 34°C are expected in Jersey, and 31°C in Guernsey on Tuesday (26 May) as the current heatwave continues.

It follows two days running where May weather records have been broken.

A maximum temperature of 30.1°C was recorded in Jersey on Sunday (24 May) and of 31.9°C on Monday (25 May)

Both days exceeded the hottest day ever recorded in Jersey during the month of May, 28.9°C in 2003.

If it does hit 34°C as expected, that would smash the May record by a full 5 degrees Celsius. 

In Guernsey, it reached 26.8°C on Sunday, topping the previous May record of 25.9°C . But the record fell again on Monday, when it reached 30.8°C.

Monday night was a record-breaker in Guernsey too.

It was the earliest ever 'tropical night', when temperatures don't fall below 20 Celsius.

In Jersey, it did dip a little below 20° at Howard David Farm in Trinity.

But both Sunday and Monday nights have exceeded the previous highest overnight temperature for May of 17.5°C set in 1995.

"Tropical nights" forecast for the Channel Islands

The wall-to-wall sunshine sent thousands of islanders flocking to the coast.

Beach BBQs, sea swims, and undoubtedly some sunburn, were the main features of the Bank Holiday weekend.

Matt Winter, senior forecaster, is urging islanders to be sensible.

"Try and stay covered up and protected from the sun during the hottest part of the day, between 11am and 3pm.

"If you haven't got air conditioning, keep your windows and doors closed during the day, with your curtains drawn, then open your windows at night."

Public Health advice in hot weather:

Extreme heat can cause heat exhaustion, heatstroke and dehydration. Older people and children are particularly at risk.

There are lots of ways you can keep cool and reduce the risks:

• stock up on food and drink supplies so you don't have to go out into the heat everyday
• avoid going outside during the hottest time of day 11am to 3pm
• leave strenuous activities like gardening or DIY for later on in the day when it is cooler
• take cold baths and showers
• drink plenty of fluids but avoid coffee and alcohol
• provide shade for babies with parasols
• freeze ice lollies for children
• keep your home cool by closing curtains, opening windows and using fans
• when you go out wear a sun hat and loose light clothing, try to stay in the shade and carry water with you