Action Alert: England hits 35°C in 'Unprecedented' May Heatwave

Parts of England are expected to hit 35°C today, Monday, May 25, 2026, marking an 'unprecedented' May heatwave, according to the Met Office. A provisional new May temperature record of 33.5°C has already been recorded at London's Heathrow this lunchtime, surpassing the previous record of 32.8°C set in 1922 and 1944.

Met Office spokesperson confirmed, "Today will be the hottest day in May in the UK in our temperature records, with highs of 35C expected. Records are usually only broken by tenths of a degree, making this heatwave unprecedented for the time of year." Meteorologist Tom Morgan added that seeing temperatures near 35°C in May is "pretty historic."

Current Situation and Warnings

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued an Amber Heat-Health Alert on May 22, 2026, indicating "significant impacts are likely across health and social care services due to the high temperatures." This alert warns of a "rise in deaths, particularly among those ages 65 and over or with health conditions."

Heatwave conditions were met in eight parts of England as of Sunday, May 24, including Heathrow, Kew Gardens, Northolt, Benson, and areas in Suffolk and Essex. The Met Office defines a heatwave by regional criteria, requiring temperatures to reach or exceed 28°C for three consecutive days in London and surrounding counties.

The heat is expected to persist, with highs of 35°C again forecast for Tuesday, 31°C on Wednesday, and 30°C on Thursday. Overnight temperatures also broke records, with Kenley in Greater London recording a low of 19.4°C on Sunday night, the highest minimum temperature for May in the UK.

Who is Affected

The UKHSA stresses that older people and those with pre-existing health conditions are particularly vulnerable to the effects of extreme heat. Dr Anya Gopfert, UKHSA Consultant in Health Protection, advised, "We know that even moderate heat can lead to serious health problems, especially for older people and those with certain health conditions."

What to Do Immediately

Take immediate steps to protect yourself and others during this heatwave:

1. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, even if you don't feel thirsty. Avoid excessive alcohol.
2. Stay Cool Indoors: Close curtains and blinds in rooms that face the sun. Open windows at night when it's cooler.
3. Avoid Peak Sun: Limit time outdoors between 11 am and 3 pm when the sun is strongest.
4. Wear Appropriate Clothing: Opt for loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing and a wide-brimmed hat if outside.
5. Check on Vulnerable People: Ensure friends, family, and neighbours who are more vulnerable are aware of the forecasts and are following necessary advice.
6. Recognise Heat Exhaustion: Be aware of symptoms like headaches, dizziness, nausea, and excessive sweating. Move to a cool place and rehydrate if experienced.

What this means for you

With an Amber Heat-Health Alert in place, you should take proactive steps to stay cool and hydrated, especially if you or someone you know is elderly or has underlying health conditions. This heatwave poses a direct risk to health, and simple precautions can significantly reduce the danger of heat-related illness.

The Other Side

While the focus is on extreme heat, the Environment Agency's forecast for the next five days indicates a "very low" flood risk across England. This means that despite the intense heat, there is no immediate widespread threat of flooding or severe storms.