Britain recorded its hottest May day on record on Monday, with temperatures reaching 33.5 degrees Celsius. Forecasters predicted temperatures could climb to 35 degrees Celsius by the afternoon, particularly in areas like Lincolnshire, the Midlands, and London.
Unprecedented Heatwave
A Met Office spokesperson described the heatwave as "unprecedented for the time of year," noting that records are typically broken by much smaller margins. Various regions across England, including the north, Midlands, and southeast, experienced temperatures around 30 degrees Celsius.
Official Heatwave Declared
A heatwave was officially declared in multiple locations across England after temperatures consistently exceeded 27 degrees Celsius for three consecutive days. The Met Office urged people to stay hydrated and avoid prolonged sun exposure during peak hours.
In full, the hottest May day ever recorded in the UK saw temperatures top 33 degrees Celsius, with forecasters suggesting they could still go higher. The previous record for May was set in 2017, when temperatures reached 32.8 degrees Celsius.
Health officials advised vulnerable groups, including the elderly and those with respiratory conditions, to take precautions. The heatwave is expected to continue into Tuesday before cooler weather moves in from the Atlantic later in the week.
