The United Kingdom has recorded its hottest ever May Day, with temperatures reaching a provisional high of 34.8°C at Kew Gardens in London on Monday, May 25, 2026. This unprecedented heatwave shattered previous May records, with the 34.8°C significantly exceeding the old record of 32.8°C, which was last set in 1944 and originally in 1922. The Met Office has stated that temperature records are typically broken by mere tenths of a degree, making this substantial jump particularly noteworthy and indicative of an exceptional event for the time of year. The intense heat has also led to Wales provisionally breaking its own May temperature record, with 32.2°C recorded at Hawarden Airport.
Unprecedented Heat and Record-Breaking Nights
The heatwave has not only brought scorching daytime temperatures but also unseasonably warm nights. On Sunday night, a new overnight temperature record for May was set, with 19.4°C recorded at Kenley in Greater London, narrowly avoiding a 'tropical night' where temperatures do not drop below 20°C. Forecasters anticipate further 'tropical nights' on Monday and Tuesday nights before temperatures are expected to ease slightly by Wednesday. The Met Office has confirmed that heatwave conditions were met in eight areas of England on Sunday, including Heathrow, Kew Gardens, Northolt in London, Benson in Oxfordshire, and locations in Suffolk and Essex.
Climate Change and Future Heatwaves
Scientists and meteorological experts are linking this extreme weather event to human-induced climate change, noting that such heatwaves are becoming more intense and frequent. A Met Office study indicates that the likelihood of surpassing the May temperature record is now approximately three times greater in the current climate compared to pre-industrial times. What was once considered a one-in-100-year event is now estimated to be a one-in-33-year event. This trend suggests that periods of extreme heat are likely to become a more common feature in the UK and across Europe, which is identified as the fastest-warming continent globally. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued an amber health alert for several regions, including the West Midlands, East Midlands, East of England, South East, and London, warning of potential significant impacts on health and social care services.
The heatwave is expected to persist through Tuesday, with forecasts predicting highs of up to 35°C again in parts of England. While temperatures are predicted to slightly decrease later in the week, remaining in the low 30s Celsius mid-week and high 20s by Friday, the Met Office anticipates the heatwave conditions may officially end around Sunday, May 31st, as temperatures drop below the 25°C mark in some areas. The validation process for the new temperature record is underway, with rigorous checks required before it is officially inducted into meteorological records.