The United Kingdom experienced its hottest May day in at least 79 years on Sunday, with temperatures reaching 32.3C (90.1F) at Kew Gardens in London. England, Wales and Northern Ireland all recorded their highest temperatures of 2026, while Scotland fell just short of its May record.
The heatwave threshold was first met in Santon Downham, Suffolk, where temperatures exceeded 27C for three consecutive days. Other areas officially in heatwave conditions include Heathrow, Kew Gardens and Northolt in London, Benson in Oxfordshire, Brooms Barn in Suffolk, and High Beach and Writtle in Essex.
The Met Office noted that breaking the previous May record of 32.8C is now around three times more likely due to climate change. A spokesperson said: 'What was around a one-in-100-year event is now around a one-in-33-year event.'
The UK Health Security Agency issued amber heat alerts for several regions, warning of increased health risks for vulnerable individuals. The alerts remain in place until 5pm on Wednesday.
Water supply issues affected three villages in Kent for a second day, with South East Water apologising and working to resolve pumping station problems. Meanwhile, safety experts urged caution around open water, noting that 61% of accidental water-related fatalities occur in inland waterways.
