An amber health warning has been extended by 24 hours for several regions in England as temperatures are expected to soar to 35C on what could be the hottest May day since records began. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has announced that amber heat alerts for the South West, South East, London, East and West Midlands, and the East of England will remain in place until 5pm on Thursday, May 28.

The yellow alert previously issued for the South West has also been upgraded to amber. Yellow alerts are also in place for the North West and North East. Yesterday the UK recorded its hottest ever May Day with temperatures climbing to 34.8C in Kew Gardens, smashing the previous May record of 32.8C, set in 1922 and again in 1944.

Today has the potential to bring record breaking May heat once again with highs of 35C forecast across large swathes of southern England and Wales – which could even creep up to 36C, the Met Office said.

But the heat could be reduced because thunderstorm warnings have been issued for parts of the South West, West Midlands, East Midlands and East of England between 3pm and 10pm on Tuesday.

Forecasters anticipate frequent lightning strikes and torrential rain in the affected regions. The extreme weather could bring more than 30mm of rain in a single hour.

The RAC has warned drivers to ensure their windscreen wipers are fit for purpose ahead of the storms.

“With thunderstorms forecast which could result in 30mm of rain in less than an hour, it’s vital windscreen wipers are fit for purpose,” a spokesperson for the breakdown service said.

“We were particularly concerned by reports at the weekend about an increase in the number of motorists around England and Wales who were prosecuted for not maintaining their windscreen wipers, something which is crucial during a thunderstorm.”

Last night a UK record for the highest daily minimum temperature for May was set as the temperature did not fall below 21.3C overnight at Kenley Airfield, south London, making it a “tropical night”, the Met Office said.

This marked the second consecutive day the UK has recorded its highest-ever daily minimum temperature.