The UK is experiencing potentially record-breaking temperatures after forecasters confirmed some areas reached highs close to 34°C on Monday.
Temperatures are expected to reach as high as 34 degrees in parts of England, with the ongoing heatwave already pushing temperatures well above seasonal averages.
The ongoing heatwave has already pushed temperatures well above seasonal averages, with England, Wales and Northern Ireland recorded their warmest day of 2026 on Sunday, which was also the UK’s hottest May day in nearly 80 years.
Heatwave spreads across England
According to the Met Office, eight areas of England have officially entered heatwave conditions after recording high temperatures for three consecutive days. Parts of London, the South East and eastern England are among the regions most affected.
Forecasters say the unusually hot and dry conditions are set to continue over the coming days. Weather experts say temperatures at this level are highly unusual for May and reflect a wider trend of increasingly frequent extreme heat events across Europe.
Climate concerns grow
According to the latest European State of the Climate report, Europe is currently the world’s fastest-warming continent, with heatwaves becoming more intense and more frequent.
The Met Office says the number of days in the UK with temperatures above 30°C has more than tripled compared with historical averages, highlighting changing climate patterns.
Health alert remains in place
The UK Health Security Agency has issued an amber heat-health alert across much of England, warning that the heat could place additional pressure on hospitals and emergency services.
Health officials say older people, young children, pregnant women and those with underlying health conditions are particularly vulnerable during periods of extreme heat.
Authorities are advising people to stay hydrated, avoid direct sunlight during the hottest parts of the day and check on vulnerable friends, relatives and neighbours.
With summer still weeks away, meteorologists say the current conditions could be an early indication of a prolonged and unusually hot summer.
