May heat records could be broken by nearly 3C the day after hottest in 79 years

The UK experienced its hottest May day in at least 79 years on Sunday, with temperatures reaching 32.3C at Kew Gardens in southwest London. This surpassed the previous May record of 31.7C set in 2022, while the warmest May night since 1944 saw temperatures in Kenley Airfield, Surrey, stay above 19.4C. Forecasters warn that parts of southern England could hit 34C–35C on Monday and Tuesday, breaking records by nearly 3C—a rare spike for weather data. The Met Office highlighted that climate change is accelerating extreme heat events, with temperatures swinging dramatically from recent cold snaps (including minus 5C in Scotland last week) to near-summer highs. Eight regions in England met heatwave criteria on Sunday, including Heathrow and Kew Gardens, while Wales and Northern Ireland also recorded record-breaking highs of 27.4C in Cardiff and 23.4C in Armagh. The heat is expected to persist through the bank holiday, with most areas seeing highs of 20C–30C, though thunderstorms may develop in England by Tuesday evening. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued its first amber heat alert of 2026, warning of risks to health and social care services until Wednesday. The AA advised drivers to avoid leaving children, pets, or vulnerable passengers in vehicles—where interiors can hit 60C—and to take breaks during travel to prevent overheating. Cooler conditions are expected midweek, with temperatures dipping to 29C–30C by Friday, though some showers may occur. The Met Office’s senior meteorologist, Greg Dewhurst, noted that such rapid temperature shifts are becoming more common due to climate change, signaling hotter, drier summers ahead.