London heatwave: Hottest May day for 79 years with Monday forecast to hit 34C in capital

The UK recorded its hottest May day in at least 79 years on Sunday, with temperatures reaching Mediterranean-like levels. Kew Gardens in south-west London reached 32.3C, while Monday is expected to rise to about 34C across Greater London and south-east England. Wales and Northern Ireland also set 2026 records, with 27.4C in Cardiff and 23.4C in Armagh. Scotland saw 23.5C in Edinburgh, near the existing May record. Heatwave conditions were met in eight parts of England, including Heathrow and Kew Gardens, based on sustained thresholds. Overnight warmth may worsen discomfort and sleeping conditions, and heat poses greater risks for older adults.

"The UK saw its hottest May day for at least 79 years on Sunday as historic temperatures are set to break records for the warmest bank holiday Monday. Parts of the UK were as hot as the Mediterranean, with a high of 32.3C at Kew Gardens in south-west London, but Monday's temperatures are expected to soar even higher to 34C in Greater London and across south-east England. Wales and Northern Ireland also reached 2026 record temperatures of 27.4C in Cardiff and 23.4C in Armagh on Sunday."

"The Met Office said heatwave conditions have now been met in eight parts of England Heathrow in Greater London, Benson in Oxfordshire, Brooms Barn in Suffolk, High Beech in Essex, Kew Gardens in London, Northolt in London, Santon Downham in Suffolk and Writtle in Essex. The Met Office said that Santon Downham was the first location to meet the criteria at around 11.30am and its heatwave threshold is 27C for three consecutive days. It was closely followed by Heathrow, where the criteria is three consecutive days at 28C, at around 11.50am."

"Tom Morgan, a Met Office meteorologist, told the Press Association: We rarely see temperatures above 35C, even in the summer months, so to see temperatures getting close to 35C in May is, as I say, pretty historic. He said overnight temperatures could also lead to records being broken, staying above 20C and being uncomfortable for sleeping. Saturday was the first time this year that the UK had passed 30C and Sunday was even hotter the hottest May temperature since 1947."

"Although Monday is set to be hot for many parts of England, north-west Scotland will be breezier and damper with thicker clouds. Heat is considered to be more dangerous for older adults as their bodies struggle to regulate temperature and Age UK is recommending they s"

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