The UK is on track to experience its hottest May day on record this bank holiday Monday, with temperatures in south-east England expected to reach 33°C. Meteorologists warn this could shatter the previous May record of 32.8°C, set on the Late May Bank Holiday in 1944.
The heatwave, already gripping large parts of the country, will intensify over the weekend, with daytime highs in the upper 20s and low 30s across central and southern England. Friday marked the year’s warmest day so far, with London exceeding 28°C—officially meeting heatwave criteria. Areas including the Midlands, eastern and south-east England are now under amber heat health alerts issued by the UK Health Security Agency, signaling significant risks to health and social care services, particularly for children and adults over 65.
Key Points
- ⚡ Monday’s forecast: 33°C in south-east England, potentially breaking the May record
- 🔥 Heatwave criteria already met in London, with temperatures above 28°C
- 🚨 Amber alerts issued for Midlands, eastern and south-east England
The Met Office defines a heatwave as three consecutive days where daily maximum temperatures meet or exceed the heatwave threshold—typically 25°C for most of England. This weekend, the threshold will likely be met or exceeded for days on end, with Sunday expected to see the first official heatwaves of 2026 declared in regions including London, south-east England, and Cardiff. Locally, parts of the south Midlands and south-east England could hit 30°C on Sunday, a rarity for May.
| Region | Forecast High (°C) | Alert Level |
|---|---|---|
| South-east England | 33 | Amber |
| London | 31 | Amber |
| Midlands | 29 | Amber |
| Cardiff | 30 | Amber |
| Northern Isles | 13 | Yellow |
While much of England swelters, Scotland and Northern Ireland will see more modest rises, with Glasgow expected to reach the low to mid 20s by Tuesday. Western Northern Ireland may also climb into the mid-20s, though eastern coastal areas could face persistent mist. The contrast is stark: the Northern Isles will struggle to reach 13°C, far below the seasonal norm.
💡 Pro Tip
Check on elderly neighbors and relatives during heatwaves. Dehydration and heat exhaustion can escalate quickly in vulnerable groups, even at temperatures below 30°C.
This early-season heatwave is consistent with the long-term trend of rising temperatures driven by climate change. The Met Office reports that days exceeding 30°C—classified as "very hot" days—have more than tripled in the past decade compared to the 1961–1990 average. The last time 30°C was reached in May was in 2012. Experts warn that this heatwave’s intensity and duration are unusual, with temperatures potentially remaining above seasonal norms for nearly a week.
📋 By The Numbers
- 30°C — Threshold for a "very hot" day, now three times more common than in the 1960s
- 1944 — Last time the UK recorded a May high above 32.8°C
- 10°C — How much above normal some areas will see this weekend
The Met Office has also noted that while heatwaves are not unheard of in the UK, their earlier onset and increased frequency align with global warming patterns. The agency’s climate projections suggest that such extreme heat events will become more common, even as the country’s weather remains inherently variable. For now, residents are advised to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged sun exposure during peak hours, and monitor local weather updates as the holiday weekend progresses.