London: The United Kingdom is bracing for what could become its hottest May day on record, as forecasters warn temperatures may climb close to 35°C during an exceptional Bank Holiday heatwave.
The current UK May temperature record stands at 32.8°C, first recorded in London in 1922 and later matched in southeast England in 1944. Forecasters say that record could be beaten by a wide margin, with the strongest heat expected across London, southeast England, East Anglia and parts of the Midlands.
The warning comes after a sweltering Sunday, when Kew Gardens in London recorded 32.3°C, making it the UK’s hottest May day in nearly 80 years and the hottest day of 2026 so far. Several locations, including Kew Gardens, Heathrow and Santon Downham, have already met official heatwave conditions after exceeding regional thresholds for three consecutive days.
Health alerts have been issued across England as officials urge people to take extra care, especially older people, young children, outdoor workers and those with existing health conditions. People have been advised to avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, drink plenty of water and check on vulnerable relatives or neighbours.
The early-season heat has also raised safety concerns around rivers, lakes and coastal areas, as more people head outdoors to cool off. Emergency services have warned that open water can remain dangerously cold even when the air temperature feels extremely hot.
Climate scientists say such intense heat is becoming more likely as global temperatures rise. The Met Office has said extreme May heat records are now more likely in the current climate than they were before industrial-era warming.
For now, Britain is preparing for a potentially historic weather day. If temperatures reach the forecast peak, May 2026 may not just break the old record — it could smash it.
