The record for the hottest May day was broken again today (Tuesday, May 26), with provisional temperatures reaching 35C in London, according to the Met Office.
Temperatures surpassed Monday’s provisional all-time hottest meteorological spring temperature of 34.8C recorded in Kew Gardens in south-west London.
And the hot weather is expected to continue in parts of the UK this week.
What is a heatwave?
A heatwave is an “extended period of hot weather relative to the expected conditions of the area at that time of year, which may be accompanied by high humidity”, the Met Office explains.
It continues: “A UK heatwave threshold is met when a location records a period of at least three consecutive days with daily maximum temperatures meeting or exceeding the heatwave temperature threshold.”
The threshold varies by UK county, with counties including and around London being 28C, with central, East and South East England at 27C.
Heatwaves are most common in summer, as this is when high pressure develops across an area.
The Met Office explains: “High-pressure systems are slow-moving and can persist over an area for a prolonged period of time, such as days or weeks.
“They can occur in the UK due to the location of the jet stream, which is usually to the north of the UK in the summer.
“This can allow high pressure to develop over the UK, resulting in persistent dry and settled weather.”
Hottest May day record broken again
The hottest May day ever recorded happened yesterday (May 26), and was broken again today (May 26).
Temperatures surpassed Monday’s provisional all-time hottest meteorological spring temperature of 34.8C recorded in Kew Gardens in south-west London.
In a post on X, the Met Office said: “Today is now the hottest day in May on record for both England and Wales with Kew Gardens provisionally reaching 35.1C and Cardiff Bute Park reaching 32.9C.”
Today is now the hottest day in May on record for both England and Wales with Kew Gardens provisionally reaching 35.1°C and Cardiff Bute Park reaching 32.9°C pic.twitter.com/NSnRSuhNHp
— Met Office (@metoffice) May 26, 2026
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said amber heat-health alerts for the South West, South East, London, East and West Midlands and the East of England will remain in place until 5pm on Thursday (May 28), with yellow heat-health alerts for the North West and North East.
The UK also experienced a “tropical night” on Monday (May 25) as the record for the warmest minimum temperature for May was broken for the second consecutive day.
Temperatures did not fall below 20C overnight on Monday in parts of the UK, with 21.3C recorded at Kenley Airfield, south London.
When will the heatwave end in the UK?
The heatwave will continue in parts of the country through the week, according to the Met Office forecast.
The highest temperatures forecast for the rest of the week are:
- Wednesday – 33C
- Thursday – 32C
- Friday – 30C
- Saturday – 29C
Temperatures can vary; check local forecasts for precise numbers.
The highest temperatures will shift westwards on Wednesday, with northern areas feeling more of the warmth on Thursday.
The heatwave is expected to break later in the weekend, with temperatures returning to near-normal by Sunday, and an increased chance of showers.
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Met Office Chief Operational Meteorologist Dan Suri explained: “Meteorologically, what we’ve seen is the influence of warmth building under an area of high pressure near the UK, allowing exceptional heat to build, allowing maximum and minimum temperatures to reach levels not previously reported at this time of year.
“High pressure is forecast to gradually lose its influence later in the week, though maximum temperatures will still remain high and in the low 30Cs for some mid-week and high 20Cs late this week.”
How have you been spending time in the hot weather? Let us know in the comments.
