Heatwave likely to be confirmed in parts of UK as temperatures soar
Eight areas in England, including Heathrow Airport and Kew Gardens, have met the threshold for a heatwave so far today, the Met Office tells the BBC.
www.bbc.comHere’s the latest on the UK May heatwave records.
Answer in brief
- The UK experienced its hottest May day on record in 2026, with several sites reporting temperatures around or above 34–35°C in late May, and some locations potentially challenging or beating the national May record. This has been widely reported by the Met Office and major outlets, reflecting an ongoing May heatwave that surpassed previous benchmarks.[2][4][6]
Context and key details
- Record highs: London’s Kew Gardens reached about 34.8°C on May 25, 2026, marking the hottest May day in the UK’s recorded history at that time. The temperature surpassed the previous May record by a noticeable margin, prompting discussions of a new national May heat record.[6][2]
- Possible further increases: Forecasters warned that temperatures could reach around 35°C in parts of southern England on subsequent days, with some areas at risk of hitting 36°C on a very hot day. This pointed to a continuing stretch of unusually intense May heat.[4][2]
- Nighttime records: The heatwave also produced unusually warm nights, with May nights approaching or exceeding previous records in some locations, contributing to persistent heat exposure.[3][6]
- Weather alerts: Health and weather services issued amber or yellow heat alerts for large swathes of England as the heat persisted, underscoring public health concerns tied to extreme warmth.[5][2]
What this means
- This May heatwave is part of a pattern where May temperatures in the UK are reaching levels typically seen in mid-summer, raising concerns about heat-related health risks, power usage, and water demand.[2][5]
- If you’re traveling or planning outdoor activities, check local forecasts daily, stay hydrated, seek shade during peak sun, and follow any public health advisories.[6]
Sources
- BBC reporting on May heat and potential 35°C readings in England[2]
- BBC live updates confirming May heat records and 34.8°C at Kew Gardens[5]
- The Independent noting possible 36°C highs on Tuesday after the hottest May day on record[4]
- Sky News coverage of record May heat and ongoing records[3]
- The BBC live page documenting the hot night and record May temperatures[6]
If you’d like, I can assemble a concise timeline of the record-breaking temperatures and map the locations that hit new May records, with citations after each entry.