Parts of England are expected to reach an 'unprecedented' 35°C on Monday, May 25, and Tuesday, May 26, 2026, with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issuing an amber heat-health alert for several regions.
This severe heatwave is set to break May temperature records, with the Met Office confirming that Monday, May 25, provisionally reached 33.5°C at Heathrow, surpassing the previous May record of 32.8°C set in 1922 and 1944. Met Office Meteorologist Tom Morgan described the temperatures as 'pretty historic' for May.
Where the heatwave is hitting hardest
The highest temperatures of 35°C are forecast for areas including Lincolnshire, the Midlands, western East Anglia, London, the Home Counties, and Cambridgeshire. Heatwave conditions were officially met in eight parts of England on Sunday, May 24, including Santon Downham in Suffolk and Kew Gardens in west London, which recorded 32.3°C.
The UKHSA's amber heat-health alert, issued on Friday, May 22, covers the East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England, London, and the South East. Yellow alerts are in place for North East England, North West England, Yorkshire and Humber, and South West England. These alerts will remain active until 5pm on Wednesday, May 27, 2026.
Dr Anya Gopfert, Consultant in Health Protection at UKHSA, stated: "We know that even moderate heat can lead to serious health problems, especially for older people and those with certain health conditions, so it's important that everyone takes simple precautions while enjoying the warm weather over the coming days."
What to do immediately
The Met Office and UKHSA advise the public to take immediate steps to protect themselves and vulnerable individuals:
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, even if you don't feel thirsty. Avoid excessive alcohol.
- Stay cool indoors: Close curtains and windows during the day to keep rooms cooler. Open them at night when it's cooler outside.
- Avoid peak sun: Limit time outdoors between 11am and 3pm when the sun is strongest.
- Wear appropriate clothing: Opt for loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing and a wide-brimmed hat if outside.
- Use sun protection: Apply high-factor sunscreen as UV levels are high to very high across southern Britain.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check on older adults, infants, young children, and those with underlying health conditions, ensuring they are aware of the forecasts and taking precautions.
- Monitor for symptoms: Be aware of signs of heat exhaustion or heatstroke, such as dizziness, headache, nausea, and intense thirst.
What this means for you
The prolonged high temperatures pose a significant health risk, particularly for vulnerable groups. Ensure you are taking proactive steps to stay cool and hydrated, and be mindful of friends, family, and neighbours who may struggle in the heat. The risk of dehydration and overheating is elevated, potentially worsening existing health conditions.
Looking ahead
While the immediate focus is on the extreme heat, meteorologists are monitoring the possibility of thunderstorms developing later in the week, particularly across southern and central England. These storms could bring sudden downpours, lightning, and gusty winds. Prolonged hot and dry conditions can bake the ground hard, increasing the risk of flash floods if sudden, significant rainfall occurs, as the ground may be unable to absorb the water quickly.
Sources
- Met Office — Temperature records and forecasts
- UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) — Heat-health alerts and advice
- Environment Agency — Monitoring for potential flood risks