The United Kingdom has provisionally broken the record for the highest daily minimum temperature in May for a third consecutive night, as the nation continues to swelter under an exceptional heatwave. According to the Met Office, Camborne in Cornwall recorded a minimum temperature of 21.4 degrees Celsius, marking the third night in a row that a new record has been set.
Hottest May Day on Record
Tuesday, 26 May 2026, became the hottest May day ever recorded for both England and Wales. In Kew Gardens, London, temperatures soared to 35.1 degrees Celsius, while Cardiff Bute Park reached 32.9 degrees Celsius. These provisional figures surpass previous records and highlight the intensity of the current heatwave.
Forecast and Cooling Trends
After several days of extreme heat, temperatures are expected to drop significantly across many parts of the UK. However, some southern areas may initially experience highs of 32 to 33 degrees Celsius before the cooler weather arrives. The Met Office advises that the heatwave is likely to break soon, bringing relief to much of the country.
Tragic Incidents and Safety Warnings
Amid the hot weather, multiple people, including teenagers, have tragically died after getting into difficulty in open water across various locations in the UK and Ireland. The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and the National Fire Chiefs Council have issued urgent safety warnings, urging the public to take precautions when near water. They stress the dangers of cold water shock and the importance of swimming only in designated areas.
Climate Change Link
The Met Office has indicated that the increased likelihood of record-breaking May temperatures is linked to climate change and human-caused greenhouse gas emissions. Scientists note that such extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and intense due to global warming, underscoring the need for continued efforts to reduce emissions.
