UK forecasts hottest May day on record amid amber heat alerts
The United Kingdom could record its hottest May day in Met Office records on Monday, May 25, with highs forecast to reach 35°C (95°F). Unusually warm overnight conditions have already set a provisional national daily minimum-temperature record for the month of May.
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The United Kingdom is forecast to experience its hottest May day in Met Office records on Monday, May 25, with temperatures forecast to reach 35°C (95°F) in parts of southern England as amber heat-health alerts remain active across much of the country.
At 08:30 LT on Monday, the Met Office said the day was expected to become the hottest May day within its temperature records, describing the ongoing heatwave as “unprecedented for the time of year” because UK temperature records are typically exceeded only by fractions of a degree.
The current UK May temperature record stands at 32.8°C (91°F), set in 1922 and matched in 1944. Forecast highs near 35°C (95°F) would exceed that benchmark by more than 2°C (3.6°F) if verified.
The heatwave intensified after the UK recorded its hottest day of 2026 so far on Saturday, May 24, when temperatures reached 30.5°C (86.9°F) in Frittenden, Kent. The reading marked the first time temperatures went over 30°C (86°F) in the UK during May since 2012.
The Met Office also reported a provisional national May record for the highest daily minimum temperature after overnight temperatures at Kenley Airfield failed to drop below 19.4°C (66.9°F). The previous May minimum-temperature record was 18.9°C (66°F), set in 1944.
The event developed beneath a strong and persistent high-pressure system dominating western Europe, producing prolonged sunshine, weak winds, and stable atmospheric conditions favorable for strong daytime warming across inland regions of England.
The UK Health Security Agency maintains amber heat-health alerts across London, the South East, East of England, East Midlands, and West Midlands, with additional yellow alerts remaining active elsewhere in England through Wednesday, May 27.
According to UKHSA guidance, amber alerts indicate likely impacts on health and social-care systems, particularly among elderly people and individuals with underlying medical conditions. Authorities advised residents to remain hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure during peak daytime heating, and apply sunscreen because of elevated ultraviolet radiation levels.
Coastal western areas remained significantly cooler because of marine influence, while inland regions were forecast to experience substantially higher temperatures during the event.
Although late-May heat episodes occasionally occur under blocking high-pressure systems across western Europe, temperatures approaching or exceeding 35°C (95°F) remain exceptionally rare this early in the UK warm season. Overnight temperatures remaining near or above 20°C (68°F) are also uncommon in May and can significantly increase heat-related stress during prolonged warm periods.
I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.
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