The United Kingdom has registered its hottest meteorological spring temperature on record after thermometers climbed to 34.8C in parts of London, England.
According to the UK Met Office, the provisional reading taken at Kew Gardens in south-west London surpassed the previous May temperature record of 32.8C, which had stood since 1922 and 1944.
Weather experts noted that climate records are typically exceeded by only fractions of a degree, making the latest spike particularly significant.
Forecasters said temperatures across large parts of the country were between 10C and 15C above seasonal averages. Senior meteorologist Greg Dewhurst explained that, if officially confirmed, the latest milestone would mean seven out of the UK’s 12 monthly heat records have occurred since 2003.
The Met Office identified 12 areas where the previous May heat record was broken, including locations in Suffolk, Berkshire and Warwickshire. A separate study conducted by the agency concluded that surpassing such temperatures “is around three times more likely now in our current climate than it would have been in a natural climate not impacted by greenhouse gas emissions.”
The report added that what was once considered a one-in-100-year weather event has now become a one-in-33-year occurrence. Forecasts indicate that parts of central and southern England could experience temperatures of between 33C and 35C again tomorrow as the ongoing heatwave persists.
The dramatic rise in temperatures follows a sharp contrast in weather conditions last week, when parts of Scotland recorded lows of -5C while daytime temperatures elsewhere hovered around 14C to 15C.
“We see these changes happening so much more dramatically,” Mr Dewhurst said, adding that climate change is boosting temperatures.
“In the past, heatwaves built and built and built and built over days and days and days – these now just develop so quickly.
“It’s huge sort of swinging temperatures, and obviously records being broken by day and by night, so it just shows sort of how extreme the weather can change, and how quickly it can change, as well.”
He further warned that climate models increasingly predict “more extreme heat, more extreme weather events” alongside “hotter, drier summers – wetter, windier winters”.
The hot conditions over the bank holiday weekend also caused disruption to water supplies. South East Water issued an apology and distributed bottled water after approximately 502 customers experienced outages and low pressure.
Meanwhile, the UK also recorded its warmest May night on record after temperatures at Kenley Airfield in Surrey failed to fall below 19.4C overnight. The previous highest minimum May temperature was 18.9C, recorded in 1944.
Locations that exceeded the previous May daytime heat record included Heathrow in Greater London at 34.4C, Northolt at 34.2C, Teddington Bushy Park in Middlesex at 34C, and Benson in Oxfordshire at 33.6C. Other areas affected included Wisley in Surrey, Reading University in Berkshire, Wellesbourne in Warwickshire, Cippenham in Berkshire, Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, Charlwood in Surrey, Houghton Hall in Norfolk and Santon Downham in Suffolk. The record was also matched at Marham in Norfolk and Woburn in Bedfordshire.
“This heat would be exceptional in the UK even in mid-summer, let alone in May,” the Met Office said.
Although some showers are expected in eastern Scotland tomorrow, most parts of the country are forecast to remain hot. Meteorologists also warned that the intense heat could trigger thunderstorms in some areas of England tomorrow evening.
Temperatures are expected to ease gradually from midweek, though conditions are likely to remain largely dry with periods of sunshine.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) on Friday issued its first amber health alert of 2026, warning of possible significant pressure on health and social care services. The alert is expected to remain in effect until Wednesday.
The AA also cautioned motorists about the dangers of extreme heat, warning that temperatures inside parked vehicles can reach 60C when outside conditions are around 27C.
The organisation advised drivers to take breaks every two hours, avoid travelling during the hottest periods of the day, and ensure they carry enough water and snacks.
“Drivers should never leave children, vulnerable passengers or pets inside a parked vehicle, even for a short time,” it said.
The AA added that soaring temperatures can increase the risk of tyre blowouts and place extra strain on vehicle coolant systems, urging motorists to inspect both before travelling.
