The scorching Bank Holiday heatwave shows no signs of cooling down, as the Met Office forecasts temperatures will surge to 35°C tomorrow, potentially making it the hottest day in May ever recorded.
Record-Breaking Temperatures Expected
Weather modelling maps suggest 18 counties across the UK could see temperatures of 34°C or more on Monday and Tuesday as the heatwave persists. The Met Office has indicated highs of 35°C are possible across both days, which would surpass the current May record of 32.8°C.
Yesterday marked the hottest day of 2026 so far, with temperatures rising above 30°C for the first time this year. Today is expected to be even warmer, with highs of 32°C possible in southern areas. The yearly record will likely be beaten on Monday and Tuesday as well.
Counties Set for 34°C or Above
The UKV weather model suggests temperatures could surge to 34°C on Monday as far north as Lincolnshire. Most of central and southern England will see temperatures in the low-30s. Highs of 35°C are possible in London and the south-west on Tuesday. In total, 18 counties in England could experience 34°C or higher:
- Lincolnshire
- Nottinghamshire
- Norfolk
- Suffolk
- Essex
- Cambridgeshire
- Bedfordshire
- Surrey
- Berkshire
- Buckinghamshire
- Hertfordshire
- Hampshire
- Kent
- Oxfordshire
- Somerset
- Dorset
- Wiltshire
Met Office Heatwave Forecast
The Met Office’s latest forecast indicates temperatures will remain at 28°C or above until at least Thursday. An official heatwave is declared when temperatures exceed the heatwave threshold—ranging from 25°C to 28°C depending on the county—for three consecutive days.
Looking ahead, more very warm weather may arrive as June approaches. The Met Office’s outlook for May 28 to June 6 states: “Fine weather and light winds are likely to continue for most places as high pressure remains in place for much of the UK, although there may be a few showers with the odd rumble of thunder in the west on Thursday. Temperatures will remain warm or very warm inland, but cooler near the coast, especially with an onshore breeze. Heading into June, more cloud is possible, perhaps with some rain and showers at times, though still a lot of warm and dry weather in between.”
