UK smashes May temperature record — 35.1°C at Kew Gardens

The United Kingdom has shattered its all-time May temperature record for the second consecutive day. Kew Gardens provisionally recorded 35.1°C on Tuesday 26 May 2026, surpassing Monday's reading of 34.8°C — itself a new record — and eclipsing the long-standing previous best of 32.8°C set in 1922 and 1944 by more than two degrees.

Heathrow Airport confirmed 35.0°C, while Cardiff Bute Park reached 32.9°C, breaking the Welsh May record in the same move.

An unprecedented spring heatwave

The heat is part of a multi-day plume tracking northward from continental Europe. Temperatures have climbed well above seasonal averages across England and Wales, and last night provisionally recorded the warmest May night in UK history — temperatures at Kenley Airfield, Surrey failed to drop below 21.3°C.

The Met Office describes the event as "exceptional" and notes that breaking the previous May record by more than 2°C in a single week is "hard to comprehend" in climatological terms.

Health alerts remain in force

The UK Health Security Agency has amber health-heat warnings active across multiple regions of England until 5pm Thursday 28 May. People are advised to stay hydrated, check on vulnerable neighbours, and avoid strenuous outdoor activity during peak afternoon heat.

Climate context

Research shows that an event of this magnitude is now approximately three times more likely due to climate change. What was once roughly a 1-in-100 year May extreme is now closer to a 1-in-33 year event. The current trajectory suggests May records may face further pressure as background temperatures continue to rise.

Sources: Met Office, ITV News. Readings provisional pending quality control.