World AffairsThe GuardianTue, May 26, 2026, 4:52 PMPositive

UK records highest ever May temperature for second day in a row

The UK has recorded its highest ever May temperature for the second consecutive day, reaching 35.1°C at Heathrow on Tuesday, following a previous high of 34.8°C at Kew Gardens in London on Monday. This marks a significant milestone in the country's meteorological history, surpassing the previous May record of 32.8°C set in 1922.

UK records highest ever May temperature for second day in a row

WPN Brief

  • What Happened

    The UK has recorded its highest ever May temperature for the second consecutive day, reaching 35.1°C at Heathrow on Tuesday, following a previous high of 34.8°C at Kew Gardens in London on Monday. This marks a significant milestone in the country's meteorological history, surpassing the previous May record of 32.8°C set in 1922.

  • Why It Matters

    This unprecedented heatwave highlights the increasing frequency of extreme weather events in the UK, raising concerns about public health and safety as temperatures soar. The Met Office has issued warnings and health alerts, emphasizing the need for preparedness during such extreme conditions.

  • The Bigger Picture

    The current heatwave reflects broader climate trends affecting the UK and Europe, with many regions experiencing record temperatures. This situation has prompted discussions about climate change, its impact on weather patterns, and the need for adaptive measures to mitigate future risks associated with rising temperatures.

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The Guardian
May 25

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.

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

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
BBC News
May 26

UK's hottest May day record broken for second day in a row

The UK has experienced record-breaking temperatures for the second consecutive day, with Kew Gardens in London reaching 35.1°C, surpassing the previous day's high of 34.8°C. This extreme weather marks a significant milestone in the country's climate history, highlighting an ongoing trend of rising temperatures in May.

World Affairspositive
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 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

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