Swathes of the UK are set to bake in 'historic' 34C temperatures today, with Monday forecast to be the hottest ever bank holiday in recorded history. The mercury is set to reach record levels in Greater London and south-east England after the UK saw its hottest May day for at least 79 years on Sunday, with a high of 32.3C at Kew Gardens in south-west London.
Record-Breaking Heat Across the UK
Met Office meteorologist Tom Morgan said: '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.' In Wales and Northern Ireland, temperatures reached 2026 record highs, with 27.4C recorded in Cardiff and 23.4C in Armagh on Sunday. In Edinburgh, people saw highs of 23.5C on Sunday, just below the current Scottish record of 23.6C recorded in Aboyne on May 1.
Heatwave Conditions in Eight Areas
Eight parts of England are now in heatwave conditions after the threshold was crossed on Sunday, with the Met Office reporting heatwaves 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. Saturday was the first time this year that the UK had passed 30C, and Sunday saw the hottest recorded May temperature since 1947. There will be some relief for people in north-west Scotland, where conditions will be breezier and damper with thicker clouds.
Health Warnings and Tragic Incident
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has warned of a risk of a significant impact across health and social care services. The agency issued its first amber health alert of 2026 on Friday, due to remain in place until Wednesday. Lincolnshire Police said the body of 15-year-old Declan Sawyer was recovered from the water at Swanholme Lakes, Lincoln, after he was reported to be in trouble at 2.30pm on Sunday.
Advice for Vulnerable Groups
Vulnerable groups including older adults are in the most danger from the excessive heat, as their bodies struggle to regulate temperature. Age UK recommends staying inside during the hottest hours of the day, between 11am and 3pm, and having regular cold baths or showers. Age UK charity director Caroline Abrahams said: 'We can all help older people stay safe during periods of hot weather by checking in on older relatives, friends and neighbours to see if they need anything or are struggling with the heat. Offering to pick up shopping or medication, or even lending a fan, can make a real difference.'
