Residents in Wolverhampton should prepare for a week of exceptionally warm and sunny weather as temperatures are forecast to climb from 26°C on Friday to a peak of 31°C by Bank Holiday Monday, 25 May 2026. This prolonged warm spell is set to last through 28 May 2026, with the Met Office and the UK Health Security Agency issuing a yellow heat health alert for the West Midlands.
This alert is considered extraordinary because it falls outside the typical June to September season for such warnings. The warm weather is being driven by a northward shift in the jet stream, which is drawing hot southerly winds up from southern Europe and north Africa.
With temperatures expected to remain high throughout the week, the public is advised to take precautions during the middle of the day. UV levels are forecast to be high between 12pm and 2pm, and residents are encouraged to wear sunscreen, cover up, and seek shade during these peak hours.
Those who suffer from hay fever should also be aware that pollen levels in the city are rising. While counts will be low on Friday and Saturday, they are expected to become moderate on Sunday and reach high levels by Monday and Tuesday. Air pollution levels are anticipated to remain low to moderate throughout the period, with generally good visibility.
While this week will be significantly warmer than average, it follows a trend of rising global temperatures. As parts of the country brace for the potential of breaking national heat records for May, local conditions in Wolverhampton are expected to ease slightly after the bank holiday, dropping to between 27°C and 30°C for the remainder of the week.
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