Anyone with a bird bath in their garden is being urged to act before Friday as temperatures across parts of the UK are set to soar. After a cool and wet start to the week, the Met Office says the weather is about to change dramatically just in time for the late May bank holiday weekend.
Friday is currently on track to become the warmest day of the year so far. Temperatures could reach as high as 28C in parts of southeast England and London, beating the previous 2026 high of 26.6C recorded in April. Elsewhere, much of northern England, the Midlands and Wales are expected to see temperatures ranging between 22C and 25C.
The Met Office said conditions will feel “warm to very warm” across many parts of the country.
While many people will welcome the sudden burst of heat and sunshine, experts are warning that birds could struggle in the hot conditions.
Gardeners are now being urged to clean and refill bird baths before Friday to help birds stay hydrated during the hot weather.
According to Kennedy Wild Bird Food, providing fresh water is “essential” for birds during warmer periods because they lose water through breathing and other natural processes.
Bird food supplier Richard Green said: “Providing fresh water is essential for wild birds, especially during the hot summer months.
“Birds lose water through various means, including respiration and excretion, which can become a serious issue in high temperatures.
“Bird baths don’t need to be fancy, even a shallow dish with 1-2 inches of water can help them stay hydrated and regulate their body temperature.
“It’s important to keep the water clean and place it in a shaded area to encourage more birds to visit.”
Experts say people without a bird bath can simply leave out a shallow plate or dish of water in their garden.
However, it should be positioned carefully away from bushes or places where predators could hide.
Richard added: “Placing water dishes near bushes or trees may attract predators, particularly cats, which often hide in shrubs waiting to ambush birds.
“To reduce the risk of predator attacks, place water sources away from areas where predators might be lurking.”
Bird experts also recommend leaving out high-energy foods during hot weather, including dried mealworms, suet and sunflower hearts.
The Met Office says Friday will bring the hottest conditions, although there is also a chance of heavy and thundery showers developing later in the day in some southern and western areas.
Saturday is expected to stay very warm with temperatures again reaching the mid-20s in parts of the UK, although conditions could become more unsettled with scattered thunderstorms.
By Sunday, high pressure is forecast to build more firmly across the country, bringing drier and more settled weather with plenty of sunshine for many areas.
Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Tony Wisson said: “The weather later this week will feel like a marked contrast from recent days, with warm, fine and settled weather for many.
“While the warmth will persist through the Bank Holiday weekend, conditions will turn more unsettled later Friday and into Saturday, nonetheless, temperatures should remain warm or very warm.”
Experts also suggest placing an old pre-1992 penny in bird baths during hot weather because the copper can help slow bacterial growth and keep the water cleaner for longer.
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