Temperature records fall for two consecutive days
The UK set a new daily heat record for May on Monday May 25, then broke it again on Tuesday May 26. Temperatures reached 34.8C at Kew Gardens in London on Monday, surpassing the previous May record of 32.8C set in 1922 and matched in 1944. On Tuesday, the thermometer hit 35.1C in London, setting a new all-time May high.
The Met Office confirmed both days provisionally broke the record. The heatwave was driven by a high-pressure system pulling warm air from continental Europe. Weather forecasters had warned that temperatures could reach 35C in parts of England. The heat was concentrated in London and southeastern England, with temperatures about 10 degrees above the May average.
Tuesday's high of 35.1C is also a new record for the spring season. The previous spring record was 33.9C set in April 1949. Climate scientists said the records fit a clear pattern of warming temperatures in the UK over recent decades.
Health alerts issued as heatwave strains infrastructure
The UK Health Security Agency issued an amber heat health alert for several regions in England. The alert warned that the heat could pose risks to elderly people, young children, and those with pre-existing health conditions. Hospitals reported increased admissions for heat-related illnesses such as dehydration and heat exhaustion.
Transport networks faced disruptions as rail lines buckled in the heat. Network Rail imposed speed restrictions on several routes to prevent accidents. The London Underground reported warm conditions in carriages without air conditioning. Schools in some areas closed early or moved activities indoors.
The amber alert was extended by 24 hours as forecasters predicted the heat would persist. The Met Office advised people to stay hydrated, avoid direct sun during peak hours, and check on vulnerable neighbors. Cooling centers were opened in several London boroughs.
Climate change driving more frequent extreme heat in the UK
The Met Office confirmed that climate change is increasing the frequency of extreme high temperatures in the UK. Analysis shows that the likelihood of May temperatures reaching 35C has increased by at least five times compared to the pre-industrial era. The UK's 10 hottest May days on record have all occurred since 2000.
The Climate Change Committee released a report on May 20 warning that the UK is built for a climate that no longer exists. The report called for urgent changes to infrastructure, housing, and public health systems to handle more frequent heatwaves. The CCC said the UK needs to invest in cooling infrastructure, heat-resistant buildings, and better public health monitoring.
Environmental groups called on the government to accelerate its net-zero emissions targets. The UK has legally binding targets to reach net-zero by 2050. Current policies are on track to miss that target, according to the CCC. The heatwave has renewed calls for faster action on climate adaptation and emissions reduction.