The United Kingdom has recorded its hottest ever temperature for the month of May after parts of London reached 33.5 degrees Celsius. The previous benchmark of 32.8°C was shattered at Heathrow Airport in west London, according to the Met Office.
Record-Breaking Heat
The new record was confirmed on Monday, May 25, 2026, as a bank holiday weekend heatwave continued to sweep across southern England. Meteorologists forecast that temperatures could climb even higher, with highs of 34°C or 35°C expected in the South and South East on Monday and Tuesday.
Sunday had already seen the country’s highest May temperature recorded in at least 79 years. The Met Office declared that heatwave conditions have been met in eight locations across England so far today: Heathrow in Greater London, Benson in Oxfordshire, Brooms Barn in Suffolk, High Beech in Essex, Kew Gardens in London, Northolt in London, Santon Downham in Suffolk, and Writtle in Essex.
What Is a Heatwave?
According to the Met Office, a heatwave is defined as a period of at least three consecutive days during which the daily maximum temperature meets or exceeds a specific threshold relative to the region's climate. The current hot spell has already exceeded that criteria in several areas.
Expert Commentary on Climate Change
Jim NR Dale, a meteorologist with the British Weather Services, told Metro that seeing temperatures in the 30s during spring is “unprecedented.” He attributed the extreme heat to a combination of factors: “The reasons are an initial waft of hot air out of Africa, then high pressure dominance, with unbroken insolation [sunshine] – and an added element of climate change, of that there’s no doubt.”
Dale added: “The cold is on its way out and has been for 20 years… 30°C temps used to be an occasional visitor, sometimes not happening at all, even in summer. Now it’s a regular event and +40°C is expected to become an occasional event from now on.”
Impact and Precautions
Health officials have urged the public to stay hydrated, avoid direct sun during peak hours, and check on vulnerable neighbors as the heatwave persists. The record-breaking temperatures have also raised concerns about infrastructure resilience, including transport networks and energy grids.
Londoners have been advised to use public transport where possible and to carry water. The city’s parks and green spaces have seen increased footfall as residents seek shade and relief from the heat.
Looking Ahead
Forecasters predict that the hot weather will continue into Tuesday before a gradual cooldown later in the week. However, the trend of more frequent and intense heatwaves is expected to persist as global temperatures rise.
