UK Sizzles as Record-Breaking May Heatwave Sends Temperatures Soaring to 35C
UK Sizzles as Record-Breaking May Heatwave Sends Temperatures Soaring to 35C
Britain is sweltering through an unprecedented May heatwave! With temperatures hitting 35C and records tumbling across the UK, here is what you need to know about this early summer sizzle.
It’s official: the UK is having its hottest May on record, and the heat isn’t showing any signs of letting up just yet. Parts of London reached a staggering 34.8C at Kew Gardens on Monday, smashing previous records and making it feel more like the peak of summer than late spring.
Forecasters are warning that Tuesday could be even hotter, with the mercury potentially hitting 35C in some areas. This heat is being described by the Met Office as "exceptional," even for mid-summer. It follows a "tropical night" where temperatures in parts of Kent didn’t drop below 21.3C, marking the warmest May night ever recorded in the UK.
It’s not just England feeling the burn. Wales also saw its hottest May day on record, with temperatures reaching 32.2C at Hawarden Airport in Flintshire. Meanwhile, Scotland and Northern Ireland recorded their highest temperatures of 2026 so far. The heat is being driven by high pressure pulling warmth over the UK, a trend that has seen seven of the country’s hottest monthly records set since 2003.
With the heat comes serious warnings. The UK Health Security Agency has issued its first amber-heat health alert of the year, covering most of England. Health officials are urging everyone to stay hydrated and look out for vulnerable groups, including babies and the elderly.
The spike in temperatures is also putting a strain on infrastructure. Around 500 homes in Sussex and Kent faced water shortages on Monday as demand for water skyrocketed. As the sun continues to shine, people are being reminded to stay safe, keep cool, and prepare for a few more days of this intense early-season heatwave.
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