London’s Kew Gardens shattered the UK’s all-time May temperature record on Monday, reaching 34.8C—1.5 degrees above the previous high set in 2005. The scorching heat, recorded at 3:30 p.m., eclipsed the hottest Bank Holiday Monday on record, which peaked at 33.3C in August 2019.
Wales matched its own record at Hawarden Airport in Flintshire, hitting 32.2C, while Scotland and Northern Ireland logged their warmest days of 2026 so far—25.5C in Charterhall and 24.6C in Hillsborough. The Met Office described the heat as "exceptional even for mid-summer," with forecasters warning that temperatures could push 35C in parts of southern England on Tuesday.
Key Points
- ✅ Kew Gardens hit 34.8C, surpassing the previous May record by 1.5 degrees
- ⚡ Wales recorded its hottest May day at 32.2C
- 💡 The heat is linked to high pressure over the UK, with average late-May temperatures typically between 14-20C
The extreme conditions forced the UK Health Security Agency to issue its first amber heat-health alert of 2026 on Friday, covering London, the South East, East of England, West Midlands and East Midlands. A yellow alert remained in place for the North East, North West, South West, Yorkshire and Humber until Wednesday evening. Over 500 properties in Sussex and Kent lost water supply due to soaring demand, with South East Water apologizing for the disruption and pledging urgent repairs.
| Region | Highest Temp (2026) | Previous Record |
|---|---|---|
| London (Kew Gardens) | 34.8C | 33.3C (August 2019) |
| Wales (Hawarden Airport) | 32.2C | 31.1C (May 1944) |
| Scotland (Charterhall) | 25.5C | 24.7C (May 1998) |
| Northern Ireland (Hillsborough) | 24.6C | 24.2C (May 2008) |
Across the UK, the heatwave canceled events, including Surrey’s Leatherhead Lions Club scrapping its annual donkey derby and dog show to protect animal welfare. Yet not all traditions buckled—thousands braved the 30C heat to watch the Gloucestershire cheese-rolling race, where German YouTuber Tom Kopke outpaced local legend Chris Anderson on Cooper’s Hill.
💡 Pro Tip
Use damp towels on pulse points—neck, wrists, temples—to rapidly lower body temperature during extreme heat. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which dehydrate further.
As the mercury climbed, England’s water companies reported unprecedented demand, with Southern Water stating reservoir levels were critically low in Hampshire and Sussex. The AA warned drivers that parked cars could reach 60C inside, urging them never to leave children or pets unattended. Age UK advised staying indoors between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. and taking cool baths or showers.
📋 By The Numbers
- 7 out of 12 — Monthly UK temperature records broken since 2003
- 19.4C — Highest May overnight temperature recorded in London on Sunday
- 10-15°C above average — Temperature anomaly across France, Germany and Spain
The Met Office linked the unprecedented heat to "warmth building under high pressure near the UK," a pattern exacerbated by climate change. According to the agency’s State of the UK Climate report, days above 28C have more than doubled and days above 30C have tripled in the last decade compared to the 1961-1990 baseline. This May’s heatwave is not isolated—Spain reached 38C on Sunday, while France and Germany saw mid-30s temperatures, with hundreds of local records falling across Europe. Forecasters expect the abnormal warmth to persist through Wednesday in England and Wales before easing slightly into the high 20s by Friday.
- 🌍 The UK’s seven hottest Mays since 2003 highlight accelerating climate trends
- 🚨 Southern England faces water shortages as reservoirs dip to critical levels
- ⚠️ Experts warn this pattern will become more frequent without rapid emissions cuts
With Europe bracing for a prolonged heatwave, meteorologists say the continent’s late-May temperatures are now 10 to 15 degrees above normal, raising fears of prolonged drought and wildfire risks. The extreme weather underscores a new normal—one where Britain’s once-rare May heatwaves are becoming a seasonal staple.