A heatwave will hit southern and central England with record-breaking highs due to hit the UK on May 1. On Thursday, temperatures could reach up to 30C in what could be the warmest start to May on record. By the weekend, temperatures will cool slightly but it will still be warm.

This year, the warmest day so far was 24.5C which was recorded in St James’s Park in London. The previous temperature record for the beginning of May was 27.4C in 1990, reports The Times.

On May 1, millions are expected to vote in the local elections with activists trying to gain last minute support.

Nicola Maxey of the Met Office said: “As high pressure continues to dominate the UK weather, we will see the temperatures building day on day through the week with Thursday seeing the peak of the heat with 29C or even a chance we could see 30C.

“Friday temperatures will start to dip across much of the UK as the high pressure starts to pull away.”

Wales, the northwest and the northeast will also see temperatures of around 24C.

If temperatures hit 25C on Tuesday, Britain could experience heatwave conditions.

But some areas will miss out - in the far north, Scotland and Northern Ireland will see cooler temperatures, with some areas seeing as low as 12C on Thursday.

A forecast by the Met Office says: “A very warm and sunny day in the south and southeast. An increased risk of some heavy showers or thunderstorms in the afternoon. Feeling cooler from the north.”

For Friday to Sunday, it reads: “Some isolated heavy showers or thunderstorms on Friday, otherwise dry and bright for most with sunny spells.

“Temperatures returning to near or just above average for the time of year.”