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England could break May heat record again with 35C possible in some areas
TL;DR
Temperatures in parts of England could reach 35C on Tuesday, following a record-breaking heatwave. The UK recorded its highest May temperature of 34.8C on Monday in Kew Gardens.
Key points
- Temperatures could reach 35C in parts of England on Tuesday
- UK recorded its highest May temperature of 34.8C on Monday
- Record surpassed previous hottest bank holiday Monday of 33.3C
- Met Office calls the heat exceptional for May
- Slightly warmer air could push temperatures even higher
Forecasters 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 34.8C.
That provisional figure, recorded in Kew Gardens, also surpassed the hottest bank holiday Monday on record - 33.3C in August 2019.
"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.
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.
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.
Scotland 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.
In 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".
Despite these cancellations, thousands of people gathered in the baking heat to watch competitors from all over the world battle it out at .
Q&A
What was the highest temperature recorded in England on Monday?
The highest temperature recorded in England on Monday was 34.8C in Kew Gardens.
How does the May temperature record compare to previous records?
The 34.8C recorded on Monday surpassed the previous hottest bank holiday Monday record of 33.3C set in August 2019.
What temperatures are forecasted for England on Tuesday?
Forecasters predict temperatures could reach 35C in parts of England on Tuesday.
Why is the May heatwave considered exceptional in the UK?
The Met Office stated that such heat would be exceptional even in mid-summer, highlighting the unusual nature of this May heatwave.
