The United Kingdom experienced what meteorologists term a "tropical night" on Monday, as the record for the highest daily minimum temperature in May was broken for the second consecutive day. According to the Met Office, temperatures at Kenley Airfield in south London did not drop below 21.3C overnight, surpassing the previous record set just a day earlier.
Record-Breaking Heat Continues
The country also recorded its provisional all-time hottest meteorological spring temperature on Monday, when Kew Gardens in south-west London reached 34.8C. This follows Sunday's record-breaking high of 34.5C at the same location. The Met Office confirmed that 12 locations across the UK—from Suffolk to Berkshire to Warwickshire—topped the previous May record on Monday, while 97 of its monitoring sites reached or surpassed 30C.
Sunday's Record Night
The UK's previous warmest May night was recorded on Sunday, when temperatures at Kenley Airfield did not fall below 19.4C. The consecutive tropical nights mark an unusual weather pattern for late May, typically associated with more moderate conditions.
Forecast for Tuesday
The Met Office has warned that the hottest May temperature could be broken again on Tuesday, with forecasts predicting highs of 35C across large swathes of southern England and Wales, potentially reaching 36C in some areas. These forecasts span the Midlands, the south-east and south-west of England, East Anglia, and South Wales. However, the Met Office noted that thunderstorms could develop in the afternoon, which may affect how hot it gets.
As the heatwave persists, health officials have urged the public to stay hydrated, avoid direct sun during peak hours, and check on vulnerable individuals. The prolonged warm spell has also raised concerns about water resources and wildfire risks in some regions.
