Brits told to wear a long sleeved top this week

As the UK experiences another in temperatures this week, and weather experts are advising the public to take extra precautions against the sun's strong rays. With temperatures soaring up to in the south of England this week, sun protection is being highlighted as a key priority especially as Sun Awareness Week 2025 led by The British Association of Dermatologists, is taking place this week, running from May 12 to May 18. Long-sleeved tops, wide-brimmed hats, and UV-blocking sunglasses are strongly recommended, alongside regular sunscreen use and time spent in the shade.

The NHS insists that you can burn in the UK even when it's cloudy and advises to spend time in the shade when the sun is strongest which is between 11am and 3pm from March to October. The NHS strongly recommends wearing long-sleeved tops, to reduce the risk of sunburn and skin damage and protect your skin from direct sun exposure.

As Sun Awareness Week is taking place, the Met Office is currently also raising awareness about the dangers of sun exposure, emphasising how UV radiation can be harmful even when it's cool or cloudy, causing sunburn, skin cancer, and eye damage.

It is also best to favour lightweight, light-coloured clothes that cover the skin, as well as wide-brimmed hats to protect the face and neck from harmful UV rays.

To stay safe, the Met Office says to use SPF 30+ sunscreen, wear protective clothing and sunglasses, avoid the sun between 11 am-3 pm, and stay hydrated.

Although some sun exposure helps produce vitamin D, only a few minutes are needed, and longer exposure increases health risks.

The Met Office's forecast for Wednesday reads: "Patchy low cloud will linger around northeast coasts. Dry for most with sunshine, however a few showers are possible in the southwest. Warm for many, but cooler in the east."

From Thursday through Saturday, the weather also remains favourable.

The weather is set to remain largely dry, warm and sunny, from Thursday through Saturday, according to the Met Office.

However, low cloud and an onshore breeze may keep eastern coastal areas cooler at times.