England Could Hit 35C Tuesday as 34.8C May Heat Record Faces Fresh Test
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · May 26
England Could Hit 35C Tuesday as 34.8C May Heat Record Faces Fresh Test
12 articles · Updated · BBC.com · May 26
35C is possible in parts of south-east England on Tuesday, with forecasters warning the record-breaking May heat could exceed Monday’s provisional UK May high of 34.8C at Kew Gardens.
High pressure near the UK and slightly warmer air at lower levels are driving the surge, while most of England and Wales stay dry and sunny and some southern areas face thunderstorm risk.
32.2C in Hawarden made Monday Wales’s hottest May day, while Scotland and Northern Ireland also logged their highest temperatures of 2026 so far.
Amber heat-health alerts remain in force across much of England until 17:00 BST Wednesday, as the heat has already disrupted events and left about 500 properties in Sussex and Kent with water supply problems.
Seven of the UK’s 12 monthly heat records have now been set since 2003, and Met Office climate data show days above 28C and 30C have risen sharply versus 1961-1990 averages.
Beyond the health warnings, which industries are quietly profiting from the UK's record-breaking heatwave?
Is Britain's infrastructure being rebuilt for a future where extreme heat is the new normal?
May 2026 Heatwave Shatters UK Records: Extreme Temperatures, Health Risks, and Climate Change Warnings
Overview
In May 2026, the United Kingdom is facing an unprecedented heatwave, with temperatures soaring to levels usually seen in mid-summer. The UK has already recorded its hottest day of the year at 30.5°C in Kent, marking the first time since 2012 that 30°C has been reached in May. London and other regions are experiencing record-breaking heat, and forecasters expect these extreme conditions to persist, with the potential for even higher temperatures in the coming days. This exceptional weather event highlights the growing impact of climate change and the urgent need for adaptation and preparedness across the country.