Record-Breaking Heatwave Continues Across England
Forecasters have issued warnings that temperatures in parts of England could reach 35C on Tuesday as an ongoing heatwave shatters records.
On Monday, the UK recorded its highest ever temperature for May when a location in London reached 34.8C.
That provisional reading, taken at Kew Gardens, also exceeded the previous hottest bank holiday Monday record of 33.3C set in August 2019.
"This heat would be exceptional in the UK even in mid-summer, let alone in May," the Met Office stated.
Tuesday is expected to see similar sweltering conditions, with forecasters indicating that slightly warmer air at lower levels could push temperatures even higher.
The highest temperatures are predicted in south-east England, while other regions in England and Wales are anticipated to experience highs in the upper 20s Celsius.
Compared to Monday, fewer locations in northern England are expected to experience extreme heat.
Most areas will remain dry and sunny, although there will be increased moisture in the atmosphere.
There is a possibility of thunderstorms in southern England, East Anglia, and potentially around Yorkshire.
On Monday, Wales recorded its hottest May day on record, reaching 32.2C at Hawarden Airport in Flintshire.
This week’s weather has resulted in more than half of the monthly record highs—seven out of twelve—being set since 2003, according to the Met Office.
These unusually high temperatures are attributed to "the influence of warmth building under an area of high pressure near the UK," explained Dan Suri, chief operational meteorologist at the Met Office.
The average temperature for late May typically ranges between 14C and 20C.
Health Alerts and Regional Temperature Records
On Friday, the UK Health Security Agency issued its first amber heat health alert of 2026, covering much of England, including the West Midlands, East Midlands, East of England, South East, and London.
The North East, North West, South West, and Yorkshire and Humber regions are under a yellow alert. Both alerts are set to remain in effect until 17:00 BST on Wednesday.
Scotland and Northern Ireland also recorded their highest temperatures of 2026 on Monday, with 25.5C at Charterhall and 25.8C at Derrylin in County Fermanagh, respectively.
Impact on Water Supplies and Public Events
Approximately 500 properties in Sussex and Kent experienced water outages or intermittent supply on Monday afternoon due to "increased demand."
Several bank holiday events across the UK were cancelled because of the extreme heat.
In Surrey, the Leatherhead Lions Club announced that its annual bank holiday donkey derby would proceed without donkeys or a dog show, citing concerns for the welfare and comfort of the animals.
Despite cancellations, thousands gathered in intense heat to watch competitors from around the world participate in the Gloucestershire cheese-rolling race.
Heatwave Conditions and Safety Warnings
On Sunday, heatwave conditions were recorded in eight locations across England: Heathrow in Greater London, Benson in Oxfordshire, Brooms Barn in Suffolk, High Beech in Essex, Kew Gardens and Northolt in London, Santon Downham in Suffolk, and Writtle in Essex.
The AA cautioned drivers against complacency during long journeys this week, warning that vehicle interiors can reach temperatures as high as 60C when parked in the sun.
"Drivers should never leave children, vulnerable passengers or pets inside a parked vehicle, even for a short time," the breakdown service advised.
Age UK recommended staying indoors between 11:00 and 15:00 and taking regular cold baths or showers to stay cool.
Climate Change and Rising Temperatures
Climate change is believed to have contributed to the frequency and intensity of such hot spells.
According to the Met Office's State of the UK Climate report, the number of days with temperatures above 28C in the UK has more than doubled, and days exceeding 30C have more than tripled in the most recent decade compared to the 1961-1990 average.
"This is what climate change feels like," said Hannah Cloke, Regius Professor of Meteorology and Climate at the University of Reading, during an interview on BBC Radio 4's World At One programme.
Public Response and Leisure Activities
Despite the heat, many people sought relief outdoors. In St Ives, Cornwall, crowds flocked to the beach to enjoy the sunny conditions.
