The United Kingdom has experienced its hottest meteorological spring day on record, with temperatures in London reaching 34.8 degrees Celsius. The provisional reading, taken at Kew Gardens in south-west London, shattered the previous May high of 32.8C set in 1922 and 1944, according to the Met Office, which announced the milestone around 5pm on Monday.
Unprecedented Leap in Temperature Records
Temperature records are typically broken by mere tenths of a degree, but this new high represents a two-degree jump. The Met Office reported that the temperature was 10 to 15 degrees Celsius hotter than the average for much of the UK. Senior meteorologist Greg Dewhurst noted the dramatic swing, saying, "We see these changes happening so much more dramatically. In the past, heatwaves built and built over days; these now develop so quickly."
If validated, this record means that seven of the 12 monthly high-temperature records have been set since 2003. The Met Office listed 12 locations where the previous May record was topped on Monday, spanning from Suffolk to Berkshire to Warwickshire. The record was also matched at Marham in Norfolk and Woburn in Bedfordshire.
Climate Change Amplifying Extreme Heat
A previous study by the Met Office found that breaking this record is now around three times more likely in the current climate compared to a natural climate unaffected by greenhouse gas emissions. What was once a one-in-a-hundred-year event is now a one-in-33-year occurrence. Dewhurst added that all meteorological models predict "more extreme heat, more extreme weather events" and "hotter, drier summers – wetter, windier winters" as a result of climate change.
The UK also recorded its warmest May night on Sunday, when temperatures at Kenley Airfield in Surrey did not fall below 19.4C, surpassing the previous record of 18.9C set in 1944.
Heatwave Continues into Tuesday
Parts of central and southern England are forecast to see temperatures of 33C or 35C on Tuesday, as the heatwave persists. However, Tuesday evening may bring some thunderstorms in parts of England. Temperatures are expected to gradually decline from mid-week, but dry and sunny spells will continue for most.
The extreme heat follows a cold snap last week, when temperatures in Scotland dropped to minus 5C and daytime highs across the UK peaked at around 14C to 15C. Dewhurst highlighted the rapid swings, stating, "It’s huge sort of swinging temperatures, and records being broken by day and by night, showing how extreme the weather can change."
Public Health and Travel Warnings
The UK Health Security Agency issued its first amber health alert of 2026 on Friday, warning of significant impacts on health and social care services. The alert remains in place until Wednesday. Age UK advised vulnerable groups, particularly older adults, to stay indoors during the hottest hours between 11am and 3pm and to take regular cold baths or showers.
The AA warned that vehicle interiors can reach 60C when the outside temperature is 27C. It recommended drivers rest every two hours, avoid travelling during peak heat, and carry water and snacks. The breakdown service stressed that children, vulnerable passengers, and pets should never be left in parked vehicles, even for short periods. Drivers were also advised to check tyre pressure and coolant systems, as hot weather increases the risk of blowouts and cooling system strain.
Water Supply Issues
South East Water apologized and distributed bottled water to about 502 customers in Kent and Sussex who experienced outages and low pressure. Incident manager Steve Benton said, "We know water supply issues during hot weather are deeply frustrating, and we are working as quickly as possible to resolve them." He attributed the problems to increased demand and the need to pump more water than usual due to the heat.
Announcing the record at Kew Gardens, the Met Office remarked, "This heat would be exceptional in the UK even in mid-summer, let alone in May."
