World AffairsThe GuardianMon, May 25, 2026, 4:31 PMNeutral

UK records its hottest ever day in May as temperature hits 34.8C

The UK has recorded its hottest ever day in May, with temperatures reaching 34.8°C at Kew Gardens in London, surpassing the previous record set in 1922. This unprecedented heat follows a weekend of soaring temperatures across Europe, with Heathrow also reporting a high of 33.5°C.

UK records its hottest ever day in May as temperature hits 34.8C

WPN Brief

  • What Happened

    The UK has recorded its hottest ever day in May, with temperatures reaching 34.8°C at Kew Gardens in London, surpassing the previous record set in 1922. This unprecedented heat follows a weekend of soaring temperatures across Europe, with Heathrow also reporting a high of 33.5°C.

  • Why It Matters

    This record-breaking temperature highlights the ongoing impact of climate change on weather patterns, prompting concerns from scientists about the implications for public health and the environment. The extreme heat has led to health alerts across various regions.

  • The Bigger Picture

    The current heatwave is part of a broader trend of increasing temperatures in the UK and Europe, raising questions about the long-term effects of climate change. With multiple regions experiencing unprecedented highs, the situation underscores the urgent need for climate action and adaptation strategies to address the rising frequency of such extreme weather events.

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9 reports across the wire

The Guardian
May 25

Record May highs sweep across France as extreme heat hits western Europe

France and the UK are experiencing unprecedented heat as over 350 towns in France recorded their highest-ever May temperatures, with the UK also breaking its May record at Kew Gardens with a temperature of 34.8°C. This extreme heat event is expected to persist, with parts of Spain potentially reaching 40°C by week's end.

World Affairsneutral
The Guardian
May 23

UK records hottest day of year as forecasters warn of more extreme heat

The UK has recorded its hottest day of the year so far, with temperatures reaching 30.5C in Kent, marking the first time since 2012 that the country has seen temperatures exceed 30C in May, according to the Met Office. Forecasters have issued warnings of more extreme heat expected over the upcoming bank holiday weekend.

World Affairsneutral
The Guardian
May 24

Hottest May day for nearly 80 years as parts of UK hit heatwave threshold

England, Wales, and Northern Ireland experienced their highest temperatures of 2026 on Sunday, marking the hottest May day in nearly 80 years, with Kew Gardens in London reaching 32.3C (90.1F). Other notable temperatures included Cardiff at 27.4C and Armagh at 23.4C.

World Affairsneutral
The Guardian
May 25

Parts of England expected to hit 35C in ‘unprecedented’ May heatwave

Parts of England are expected to experience unprecedented temperatures, with forecasts predicting highs of 35°C on Monday, marking the hottest May day on record. The Met Office has indicated that this heatwave is significant, as the previous record for May was 32.8°C.

World Affairsneutral
BBC News
May 25

Hottest May day on record in UK as temperatures pass 34C

The UK has recorded its hottest May day on record, with temperatures surpassing 34°C, following the warmest May night previously noted at 19.4°C. This extreme weather is part of a broader heatwave affecting multiple regions in England.

World Affairsneutral
Sky News
May 21

Record-breaking temperatures predicted over bank holiday

Record-breaking temperatures are forecasted for the upcoming bank holiday weekend in the UK, with highs potentially reaching 33C (91F) in some areas, marking a significant rise in temperature. This follows a period of cooler weather and is expected to bring a wave of sunshine across the country.

World Affairspositive
The Guardian
May 25

Heatwave hell: are soaring temperatures the new normal? - The Latest

The UK is currently experiencing an unprecedented heatwave, with record-breaking temperatures reaching as high as 34.8°C, marking the hottest May day on record. This extreme weather is part of a broader trend affecting large parts of Europe, raising concerns about climate preparedness.

World Affairsnegative
The Guardian
May 22

‘Full-on summer heat’: western Europe braces for unusually high temperatures

Western Europe is experiencing a significant heat event, with temperatures expected to exceed 30°C in Portugal, Spain, France, and the UK, marking a potential record for May. This surge in heat is forecasted to reach 32°C in Paris and London, and up to 38°C in parts of Spain.

World Affairsneutral
Sky News
May 20

Heatwave forecast and health alerts issued as temperatures set to hit 30C

A heatwave is forecasted to impact parts of the UK, with temperatures potentially reaching 30C in the coming days, prompting health alerts from forecasters. This situation follows a recent trend of warmer weather, including a high of 27C earlier this month.

World Affairsneutral

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