Record-Breaking May Temperatures in the UK
The UK has recorded its highest ever temperature for the month of May, with parts of London reaching 34.8°C on Monday. This provisional measurement, taken at Kew Gardens, also exceeded the previous record for the hottest bank holiday Monday, which was 33.3°C set during the August bank holiday in 2019.
Wales experienced its hottest May day as well, with temperatures reaching 32.2°C at Hawarden Airport in Flintshire.
"This heat would be exceptional in the UK even in mid-summer, let alone in May", the Met Office said.
Forecasters anticipate temperatures to climb further in the South and South East of England, with warnings of possible 35°C heat on Monday and Tuesday.
The UK also recorded its warmest May night on Sunday, with London experiencing a high of 19.4°C.
Recent Trends and Meteorological Causes
According to the Met Office, more than half of the monthly record highs for May—seven out of twelve—have been set since 2003. The exceptionally 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 14°C and 20°C.
Health Alerts and Regional Impacts
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 were placed under a yellow alert. Both alerts are scheduled to remain in effect until 17:00 BST on Wednesday.
Temperature Records in Scotland and Northern Ireland
Scotland and Northern Ireland recorded their highest temperatures for 2026 on Monday, with Charterhall reaching 25.5°C and Hillsborough 24.6°C respectively.
Water Supply Issues Due to Increased Demand
Approximately 500 properties in Sussex and Kent experienced water supply interruptions or outages on Monday afternoon due to increased demand.
South East Water apologized for the disruption and stated it was working "as quickly and safely as possible" to resolve the issues.
Event Cancellations and Public Gatherings Amid Heat
Several bank holiday events across the UK were cancelled due to the extreme heat. In Surrey, the Leatherhead Lions Club announced that its annual bank holiday donkey derby would proceed without the donkeys or a dog show, citing concerns for the welfare and comfort of the animals.
Despite cancellations, thousands gathered in hot conditions to watch competitors from around the world participate in the Gloucestershire cheese-rolling race. German YouTuber Tom Kopke, known online as Tooleko, defeated local competitor and Guinness World Record holder Chris Anderson in the first race of the annual event held on Cooper's Hill in Brockworth.
Weather Forecast and Heatwave Conditions
Forecasters have indicated the possibility of thunderstorms in England on Tuesday evening. Temperatures are expected to reach 30°C on Wednesday and Thursday in England and Wales before decreasing to the high 20s on Friday.
Heatwave conditions were recorded in eight locations across England on Sunday: 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.
Safety Warnings and Recommendations
The AA has cautioned drivers not to lower their vigilance during long journeys this week, noting that vehicle interiors can reach temperatures of up to 60°C 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 said.
Age UK recommended staying indoors between 11:00 and 15:00 and taking regular cold baths and showers to cope with the heat.
Climate Change and Broader European Heatwave
Climate change is believed to have contributed to the intensity of this heatwave. The Met Office's State of the UK Climate report indicates that the number of days with temperatures above 28°C in the UK has more than doubled, and days exceeding 30°C have more than tripled in the most recent decade compared to the 1961-1990 average.
The UK is not alone in experiencing historic heat this May. Several European countries have also broken May heat records in recent days.
In Spain, temperatures reached 38°C on Sunday. Across France and Germany, temperatures climbed into the mid-30s, with hundreds of localities setting new May records.
Temperatures in France, Germany, Switzerland, Spain, and northern Italy have been 10 to 15°C above average for late May. With the unprecedented heatwave expected to persist for most of the week, further local records are likely to be broken.
