England Reaches 34.8C, Eyes 35C as May Heat Record Continues to Break
England could experience temperatures of 35C on Tuesday, continuing a record-breaking heatwave that saw the UK register its highest May temperature of all time on Monday. Kew Gardens in London provisionally recorded 34.8C, surpassing the previous bank holiday Monday record of 33.3C from August 2019.
The Met Office described the heat as “exceptional in the UK even in mid-summer, let alone in May.” While south-east England is expected to see the highest temperatures, other regions in England and Wales will also reach the high 20s. A chance of thunderstorms is forecast across southern England, East Anglia, and possibly Yorkshire.
Wales also set a new May temperature record on Monday, hitting 32.2C at Hawarden Airport. These consistent heatwave conditions mean that over half of the UK’s monthly record highs since 2003 have occurred in the most recent decade, a trend attributed by climate scientists to anthropogenic climate change.
The UK Health Security Agency issued an amber heat-health alert for much of England, with a yellow alert covering other regions, remaining in place until Wednesday. Northern Ireland and Scotland also recorded their highest temperatures of 2026 on Monday. The extreme demand for water left approximately 500 properties in Sussex and Kent with intermittent supply, and several events across the UK were cancelled or modified due to animal welfare concerns.
Drivers have been advised to take precautions, as vehicle interiors can reach 60C, with warnings against leaving children, vulnerable passengers, or pets in parked cars. Age UK has recommended staying indoors during peak heat hours and taking regular cold baths or showers.
