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, with the mercury reaching 35.1°C at Heathrow Airport following a 34.8°C high at Kew Gardens in London. These temperatures surpass the previous May record of 32.8°C set in 1922, marking an unprecedented early heatwave. The Met Office issued a yellow weather warning for thunderstorms across England, forecasting isolated storms with lightning, hail, and gusty winds in areas stretching from Bath and Reading to Lincoln and Sheffield. The heatwave has prompted the UK Health Security Agency to maintain amber heat alerts for much of southern and central England, including London, the Midlands, and the west of England, extending these warnings until Thursday afternoon. Yellow alerts remain in place for the north-west and north-east regions. Despite the heat, forecasters warn of potential heavy rainfall, with some areas possibly receiving up to 30mm of rain within an hour during the evening hours. The extreme weather conditions have coincided with a tragic rise in water-related deaths over the bank holiday weekend. Several teenagers and adults have drowned in reservoirs, lakes, rivers, and coastal waters across the country. Notably, a 13-year-old boy died in West Yorkshire, and a 15-year-old boy was found dead in Lincolnshire after entering local waters. Other fatalities include a teenage girl in Warwickshire, a man in his 60s in Cornwall who died attempting to rescue family members, and a 12-year-old boy in Lancashire. The National Fire Chiefs Council has issued a water safety warning in response to these incidents, emphasizing the dangers posed by the hot weather and encouraging caution around water. This record-breaking heatwave highlights the increasing frequency of extreme weather events in the UK, raising concerns about public safety and the strain on emergency services. The combination of soaring temperatures and sudden storms underscores the challenges of adapting to changing climate patterns and the importance of preparedness during periods of intense heat.