The United Kingdom experienced its hottest May day on record, with temperatures reaching 34.8°C at London’s Kew Gardens on Monday, according to provisional Met Office data. This surpasses the previous May record of 33.5°C set in 1922 and matched in 1944.
Widespread heat was recorded across the south-east, including 34°C in Teddington, Middlesex, 33.6°C in Benson, Oxfordshire, and 33.3°C in Wisley, Surrey. Wales also broke its May record, with Hawarden Airport reaching 32.2°C, exceeding the previous high of 30.6°C in 1944.
The heat is expected to persist, with a peak of 35°C forecast for Tuesday, followed by highs of 31°C on Wednesday and 30°C on Thursday. Overnight temperatures on Sunday broke the UK’s highest minimum temperature for May, with Kenley airfield recording a low of 19.4°C.
The heatwave has led to disruptions, including a large grass fire in Holyrood Park near Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh and water supply issues for about 500 properties in Sussex and Kent due to increased demand. Amber heat health alerts have been issued, indicating a possible risk to life, particularly for the elderly, pregnant, and ill.
Climate researchers have linked the record-breaking temperatures to climate change. Dr Chloe Brimicombe of the University of Oxford stated that the scorching heat highlights the urgency of adaptation measures. The UK’s Climate Change Committee has recommended installing air conditioning in care homes, hospitals, and schools, and setting maximum temperatures for workplaces.
