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

The UK experienced its hottest ever day in May, with temperatures reaching a record 34.8°C at Kew Gardens in London. Earlier, Heathrow Airport recorded 33.5°C, surpassing the previous May record set in 1922 and matched in 1944. Other locations in the south-east, including Teddington, Middlesex, and Benson, Oxfordshire, also saw temperatures above 33°C. The heatwave is expected to continue through the week, with forecasts predicting highs of up to 35°C on Tuesday. Wales also broke its May temperature record, with Hawarden Airport reaching 32.2°C, exceeding the previous high of 30.6°C from 1944. Scotland and Northern Ireland experienced their warmest days of the year so far, with temperatures of 25.5°C and 24.6°C respectively. The extreme heat contributed to a large grass fire in Holyrood Park near Edinburgh and caused water supply disruptions for around 500 properties in Sussex and Kent due to increased demand. Overnight temperatures also set a new UK record for the highest minimum temperature in May, with Kenley airfield recording 19.4°C. The heatwave extends beyond the UK, affecting much of western Europe. France issued heatwave alerts, with temperatures expected to reach 35°C in Brittany and up to 37°C in southern regions. Spain’s meteorological agency warned of sustained high temperatures and tropical nights, particularly in the southwest. These conditions highlight growing concerns about climate change, as experts emphasize the need for heat adaptation measures. Dr. Chloe Brimicombe from the University of Oxford noted that the record-breaking heat underscores the urgent impact of climate change on daily life in the UK, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly, pregnant women, and those with health conditions. The UK government’s climate advisers have recently warned that air conditioning may become necessary in British homes as global temperatures continue to rise. This unprecedented May heatwave serves as a stark reminder of the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events linked to the climate crisis.