England could break May heat record again with 35C possible in some areas

A significant story is unfolding on the international scene. England could break May heat record again with 35C possible in some areas11 minutes ago Share Save Add as preferred on GoogleHenry MooreANDY RAIN/EPA/ShutterstockForecasters are warning temperatures could reach 35C in parts of England on Tuesday as a record-breaking heatwave continues. On Monday, the UK recorded its all-time highest May temperature as part of London reached 34. That provisional figure, recorded in Kew Gardens, also surpassed the hottest bank holiday Monday on record - 33.

"This heat would be exceptional in the UK even in mid-summer, let alone in May", the Met Office said. Monday's sweltering conditions are set to be replicated on Tuesday, with forecasters warning slightly warmer air at lower levels could send the mercury even higher. The highest temperatures are expected in south-east England while other areas in England and Wales will climb to the high 20s.

The Details

Fewer places in the north of England will see extreme temperatures compared to Monday. It will be dry and sunny for most but there will be a bit more moisture in the atmosphere. There is a chance of thunderstorms across southern England, East Anglia and possibly around Yorkshire.

On Monday, Wales also experienced its hottest May day, reaching 32. 2C at Hawarden Airport in Flintshire. This week's weather means more than half of the monthly record highs - seven out of 12 - have been set since 2003, according to the Met Office.

These exceptionally high temperatures have been caused by "the influence of warmth building under an area of high pressure near the UK", Met Office chief operational meteorologist Dan Suri said. The average temperature for the end of May is 14-20C. On Friday, the UK Health Security Agency issued its first amber-heat health alert of 2026, covering much of England, including the West Midlands, East Midlands, East of England, South East and London.

What Experts Say

The North East, North West, South West, Yorkshire and Humber regions are under a yellow alert. Both alerts will remain in place until 17:00 BST Wednesday. Simon JonesWater supplies are unloaded in Ashford, KentPA MediaThe NHS warned people to keep hydrated, with babies, children and older adults at the highest risk of dehydrationScotland and Northern Ireland also recorded their highest temperatures for 2026 so far on Monday - 25.

5C in Charterhall and 25. 8C at Derrylin in County Fermanagh respectively. Around 500 properties in Sussex and Kent were left without water, or had intermittent supply due to "increased demand", on Monday afternoon.

Across the UK a number of bank holiday events were cancelled because of the extreme heat. Raven, Weather WatchersIn St Ives, Cornwall, people flocked to the beachIn Surrey, Leatherhead Lions Club said its annual bank holiday donkey derby would no longer include the donkeys or a dog show "for the welfare and comfort of the animals".

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