The UK has experienced its hottest day in May ever, breaking the record for a second day in a row.
Temperatures provisionally reached 35C at Heathrow and Kew Gardens in London on Tuesday, the Met Office stated, beating the 34.8C recorded in Kew Gardens on Monday.
The weather agency said: “Until yesterday, the highest temperature in May was 32.8C, but we've now exceeded that record on consecutive days by a full two degrees.”
A yellow weather warning for “intense” thunderstorms has been issued, with lightning and hail possible in parts of England.
The weather could continue to get warmer throughout the day, as forecasters say in swathes of southern England and Wales, the temperature could creep up to 36C.
Amber and yellow heat health alerts in place across several regions in England have been extended until 5pm on Thursday.
With a thunderstorm warning that came into force at 3pm, the Met Office warned of disruption, gusty winds and the potential for 30mm of rain in less than an hour this afternoon.
Four teenagers – three boys and one girl – died in separate water-related incidents over the bank holiday weekend, as a heatwave hit the UK, breaking temperature records for May.
Read MoreLive weather maps: How hot will the UK heatwave get and where could hit 35C?
I live and work in a country where 40C temperatures are normal – this is my advice on how to cope
When will the heatwave end? UK swelters in record temperatures as Met Office issue latest forecast
Key Points
- Breaking: Temperatures hit 35C on hottest day of year
- Fourth teenager dies in water
- Warning issued for 'intense' thunderstorms bringing lightning and hail
- ‘My super fit son drowned swimming in a reservoir during heatwave’
- Heat health alerts extended by 24 hours in England
In pictures: Animals cool off at Chester and Hertfordshire Zoos in sweltering heat
16:55 , Harriette Boucher
‘My super fit son drowned swimming in a reservoir during heatwave – there’s one thing all parents should know’
16:44 , Harriette BoucherAlex Ross writes:
It was phone call Maxine Johnson will never forget.
Playing at a park with her nine-year-old daughter in a heatwave 20 years ago, the charity worker got a call to rush to Pontsticill Reservoir where her son, Reuben Morgan, and his friends had got into trouble while swimming in the sunshine.
On arrival, she found a major emergency operation was underway with specialist search teams in the water at the beauty spot in the Brecon Beacons, while a helicopter hoovered in the sky overhead.
“I got told my son was missing,” she said. “My heart sank and I just hoped and prayed he would be found safe. For three days they searched, it was torture, and then they found his body. Words can’t describe. We were heartbroken, and still to this day the pain doesn’t go away.”
Reuben, aged 15, was fit teenager who was a good swimmer, played rugby and regularly went to the gym.
“That was part of the shock of it all,” she said. “Reuben was super fit and someone you’d never think would get into trouble swimming.”
Such is the danger cold water shock.
It later emerged that Reuben, who was wearing only shorts and had been camping nearby after finishing his GCSEs, had tried to swim across the reservoir with his friends, but three quarters of the way across he disappeared.
Now, two decades on, his mother is reminded of the tragedy during hot weather, and when news breaks on other teenage deaths in the water.
Read more here:
‘My son drowned in a reservoir during heatwave – I have one thing to tell parents’
Police searching for child in Lancashire river
16:30 , Harriette BoucherPolice in Lancashire said searches were under way after a boy got into difficulty while swimming in a river in the Ribble Valley.
A force spokeswoman said: “We were called at just after 2pm today (Tuesday) to a concern for the welfare of a child who had gone into the river at Ribchester.
“The child, a boy, had got into difficulty while swimming with friends.
“Emergency services are at the scene and searches are ongoing.”
Four teenagers – three boys and one girl – died in separate water-related incidents over the bank holiday weekend.
Live weather maps: How hot will the UK heatwave get and where could hit 35C?
16:27 , Harriette Boucher
Live weather maps: How hot will the UK heatwave get and where could hit 35C?
Heavy disruptions and cancellations across South Western Railway as heatwave continues
16:10 , Harriette BoucherSouth Western Railway is experiencing problems across all of its lines, as it warns service could be cancelled or delayed by up to 60 minutes.
Some passengers are able to book taxis and claim the costs back through its website due to the disruption.
This applies to travel between any stations served by South Western Railway between Salisbury and Basingstoke, it said.
Record-breaking heat a 'stark reminder' of what climate change looks like
15:56 , Harriette BoucherToday’s record-breaking temperatures are a “stark reminder” of what climate change looks like in the UK, the head of climate policy at World Wildlife Fund warned.
Rick Parfett said: “As the Climate Change Committee warned last week, the UK was built for a climate that no longer exists. People, wildlife, our economy and our food supply are already feeling the strain, but it’s not too late to act.
“The government needs to protect people and nature from extreme weather by cutting emissions and preparing for the impacts we can no longer avoid.
“Helping nature to recover and rolling out clean homegrown energy can make the UK more resilient to the climate extremes we’re experiencing.”
In pictures: Londoners soak up sun during UK's hottest day of year
15:45 , Harriette Boucher
UK smashes May records for second day in a row
15:40 , Harriette BoucherSouth East Water urges customers to only use water for essential use
15:28 , Harriette BoucherSouth East Water is monitoring its water supply levels closely and asking customers to only use water when essential.
It said demand for water has surged during the first heatwave of the year, with hundreds of is customers left with low pressure or no water of the last three days.
“The water network is like a motorway, when everyone uses it all at once, roads come to a standstill,” Nick Price, the head of water resources at South East Water, told The Independent.
“When a whole neighbourhood uses water all at the same time, it pulls water out of the local pipes so fast that the pressure drops. The result is the families living at the far end of the network or on higher ground can see their taps run completely dry.”
He said water resources were currently in a healthy position.
“All of our raw water resources are in a healthy position at the current time as we move through spring and into summer.
"Winter rainfall was higher than the long term average across our supply area, and it was particularly wet in Sussex and our Western regions. We're monitoring the situation closely as, in contrast, March was drier than average and April was particularly dry, with catchments in Kent receiving only 8 per cent of the month's expected rainfall.”
Breaking: Temperatures hit 35C on hottest day of year
15:18 , Harriette BoucherTuesday is the hottest day in May on record as temperatures have provisionally reached 35C at Heathrow and Kew Gardens in London, the Met Office said.
What weather records were smashed on Monday - and what could happen today?
15:10 , Harriette BoucherA trio of weather records were broken in the UK yesterday.
Britons experienced the hottest day of the year so far, as temperatures climbed to 34.8C in Kew Gardens, southwest London.
It was also the hottest May day ever recorded, exceeding the previous May temperature record of 32.8C, which was recorded in 1944.
Monday also marked the hottest bank holiday ever, beating the 33.C recorded in August 2019.
Overnight, parts of the UK experienced their hottest May night ever, with the temperature not falling below 21.3C at Kenley Airfield in south London.
If temperatures climb to 35C today, it will smash the record for the hottest day of the year, as well as the hottest May day on record.
What are the best products to use during a heatwave?
15:00 , Daisy Lester, senior shopping writerWhether you’re working from home or braving the clammy commute, there are some products that provide sweet relief during heatwaves.
A portable fan cools you while on-the-go (John Lewis’ stylish buy is a steal).
Shark’s new chillpill has fast become a hot weather hero, while Dyson’s smart technology has been channelled into its nifty hand held fan.
In your home, the best expert-tested AC units can be moved from room to room.
Equally, an air cooler or a fan go a long way to make a space feel bearable - especially at night. Summer bedding is more important than you think (consider hybrid duvets from Simba or cooling toppers from Panda).
Finally, SPF is non-negotiable. Try Ultra Violette’s beauty editor approved formula or Garnier’s budget tinted buy.
How warm is the sea right now?
14:55 , Harriette BoucherAs Britons flock to the beach to cool off during this heatwave, the Met Office has warned people to take care.
“Sea and water temperatures are much lower, which can lead to cold shock,” it said.
“Stay safe if you’re heading to the coast or inland waters.”
Royal Life Saving Society issues water safety advice after four teens die
14:46 , Harriette BoucherThe deaths of four teenagers in the water in the UK is “really tragic”, Peter Kennedy, from the Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS) has said.
Mr Kennedy said it was the “sad side” to the weather the country is currently experiencing.
He told Sky News: “When we get a heatwave, we have more people struggling, and more and more people going into water and finding themselves in difficulty.
“Even strong swimmers can get in trouble, strong swimmers can drown.
“There can be issues with people think that they’re a good swimmer in the swimming pool and then they go into an open water venue, somewhere like a river or a lake, and the water is much colder and there’s a big problem with cold water shock.”
He said if you are struggling in the water, it’s best to get into a floating position and call for help.
Mr Kennedy said it’s best to follow the water safety code, which advises people to make sure the water is safe, stay with other people, call 999 if someone is in trouble, and “float to live”.
Parts of the UK are hotter than Majorca - and getting warmer
14:40 , Harriette BoucherIs England at risk of a drought?
14:23 , Harriette BoucherThanks to an “exceptionally wet winter”, water resources are in a good position in England, and the drought risk is currently normal for this time of year.
An Environment Agency spokesperson told The Independent: “No parts of England are in drought but we have had an exceptionally dry start to the spring.
“We are closely tracking water levels so if hotter temperatures such as those over the bank holiday and the dry conditions stay for the rest of the spring and into summer, we are prepared.
“Government, regulators, water companies and partners will assess the latest position at the next national drought group on 18 June.
“We are all learning from previous droughts to step up drought planning, drive down water demand and build more resilient supplies – including nine new reservoirs – across all sectors.”
Exceptionally early heatwave shatters records and brings deaths in Europe
14:14 , Jane Dalton
Exceptionally early heat wave shatters records and brings deaths in Europe
Heat slows trains to 20mph
14:00 , Jane DaltonRail operator LNER said two speed restrictions on its routes were causing delays.
Its services are limited to 20mph on 125mph lines at St Neots, Cambridgeshire, and Tollerton, North Yorkshire.
The operator said there were also some alterations to services because it was running more Azuma trains rather than InterCity225 trains, as the former have better air conditioning.
In pictures: Britain goes heatwave-crazy
13:42 , Jane Dalton
Heat slows trains to 20mph
13:29 , Jane DaltonRail operator LNER said two speed restrictions on its routes were causing delays.
Its services are limited to 20mph on 125mph lines at St Neots, Cambridgeshire, and Tollerton, North Yorkshire.
The operator said there were also some alterations to services because it was running more Azuma trains rather than InterCity225 trains, as the former have better air conditioning.
Heatwave drives up car breakdowns
13:16 , Jane DaltonThe AA said it attended 15 per cent more breakdowns between Friday and Monday than in the same period last year because “heatwave conditions put extra strain on vehicles”.
The company was called out to 34,124 over the four days, compared with 29,602 during the same bank holiday period in 2025.
Sunday and Monday had the biggest year-on-year increases with callouts up 21% on both days, while on Saturday and Friday there were rises of 17% and 5% respectively.
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Government ‘not looking at’ maximum working temperature rules
13:08 , Athena StavrouThe government is not considering implementing maximum working temperature rules, Downing Street has said.
Last week, the advisory Climate Change Committee (CCC) outlined a set of measures to safeguard Britons against worsening heatwaves, floods, and droughts, which included mandatory maximum temperature regulations for workers.
But asked about the measures on Tuesday, No 10 said on Tuesday they were not something it was looking at.
It comes after the UK recorded its provisional all-time hottest meteorological spring temperature on Monday, when Kew Gardens in south-west London hit 34.8C.
Pets can get sunburnt too – here are the signs and how to protect them
13:00 , Harriette BoucherWhile there is good awareness of the potential dangers of pets overheating in high temperatures during summer months, recognising that the sunburn itself can be a source of harm is also important.
We might think that our furry friends are protected from the sun’s harmful rays thanks to their typical hairiness, but in reality, we need to protect them too.
This is especially important for pets with light-coloured hair, pale, pink skin or those with fine or thin coats such as the sphynx cat or the xoloitzcuintle dog that lack natural protection.
For pets that live outdoors or spend a lot of time in the sun, this can also be a significant problem.
Pink skin lacks the pigment, melanin, that provides a natural level of protection from sunlight. As a result, pets with exposed areas of pink skin can become painfully sunburned, even on days that might not appear overly sunny. The tips of cats’ ears are commonly affected, as are horses with pink muzzles and other lightly pigmented areas of their body.
Read more here:
Pets can get sunburnt too – here are the signs and how to protect them
Fourth teenager dies in water
12:47 , Harriette BoucherA teenage boy died in the water at a park near Sheffield on Monday.
South Yorkshire Police were called to Rother Valley Country Park at 6.50pm following reports that a teenage boy had entered the water but had not been seen getting out.
“Officers, alongside emergency crews from South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service and the Yorkshire Ambulance Service, responded and a specialist search operation was launched,” a spokesperson said.
“Sadly, in the early hours of this morning, a body was recovered from the water. Whilst formal identification is yet to take place, the boy's family has been informed and is being supported by officers. Our thoughts are with them at this difficult time.”
He is the fourth teenager who died in the water over the bank holiday weekend.
Temperatures expected to hit 35C in London at around 2pm
12:33 , Harriette BoucherThree teenagers die in water incidents over long weekend
12:17 , Harriette BoucherThree teenagers have died in separate water-related incidents over the long weekend.
Earlier, we reported that a 13 year old boy died after getting into difficulty in a West Yorkshire reservoir on Monday.
The body of a teenage girl was also recovered from the water shortly after 7.20pm on Monday.
Atherstone & Coleshill Police said it was investigating the circumstances, as it asked people to avoid speculation about what had happened.
On Sunday, Lincolnshire Police said its dive team found the body of 15-year-old Declan Sawyer in the water at Swanholme Lakes, Lincoln.
What the law says about working during a heatwave
12:15 , Harriette BoucherWhile there is no law for maximum working temperatures, or working when it is too hot, employers must ensure workers are protected during a heatwave.
The workplace regulation requires employers to provide a reasonable indoor temperature in the workplace.
“All workers are entitled to an environment where risks to their health and safety are properly controlled,” according to the health and safety executive (HSE).
“Heat is classed as a hazard and comes with legal obligations like any other hazard.”
The HSE said a reasonable working temperature in workrooms is usually at least 16C, or 13C if employers are undergoing strenuous work.
Employers should also provide local heating or cooling and rest facilities where necessary.
For workers outside, workplaces should reschedule work to cooler times of the day when necessary, provide frequent rest breaks, free access to drinking water, and introduce shading to rest areas.
Heat health alerts extended by 24 hours in England
12:01 , Harriette BoucherAn amber heat health alert in place in several regions in England has been extended by a day.
The yellow alert issued for the South West has also been upgraded to an amber.
The UK Health Security Agency said amber alerts for the South West, South East, London, East and West Midlands and the East of England will remain in place until 5pm on Thursday, along with yellow alerts for the North West and North East.
The alerts had previously been in place until 5pm on Wednesday.
An amber alert means there could be a rise in deaths, particularly among those ages 65 and over or with health conditions.
Significant impacts are likely across health and social care services, the UKHSA said.
What is heat stroke? The signs and symptoms to look for during a heatwave
11:50 , Harriette BoucherHeat-related illnesses occur across a spectrum, and mild heat stress can quickly progress to life-threatening heat stroke if a person is exposed to dangerous conditions for too long.
Mild forms of heat-related illness include heat cramps and heat rash, both of which can be caused by extensive sweating during hot conditions. Cooling the body and drinking cool fluids can help.
When heat-related illnesses progress into heat exhaustion, the situation is more serious. Heat exhaustion includes symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, excessive sweating, feeling weak, thirst and getting a headache.
Read more here:
What is heat stroke? The signs and symptoms to look for during a heatwave
What should you do if you're caught in a thunderstorm?
11:43 , Harriette BoucherIsolated but intense thunderstorms have been forecast for parts of England today, with frequent lightning, large hail, gusty winds and 30mm rain possible.
Here is what the Met Office says you should do:
“If you find yourself outside and hear thunder, protect yourself by finding a safe enclosed shelter (such as a car). Do not shelter under or near trees, or other structures which may be struck by lightning.
“If you are on an elevated area move to lower ground. Consider if your location is at risk of flash flooding. If so, consider preparing a flood plan and an emergency flood kit.
“Prepare to protect your property and people from injury. Before gusty winds arrive, check to ensure moveable objects or temporary structures are well secured. Items include; bins, garden furniture, trampolines, tents, gazebos, sheds, and fences.
“Give yourself the best chance of avoiding delays by checking road conditions if driving, or bus and train timetables, amending your travel plans if necessary.
“People cope better with power cuts when they have prepared for them in advance. It’s easy to do; consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items.If you find yourself outside and hear thunder, protect yourself by finding a safe enclosed shelter (such as a car).”
Live weather maps: How hot will the UK heatwave get and where could hit 35C?
11:30 , Harriette Boucher Live weather maps: How hot will the UK heatwave get and where could hit 35C?
Hundreds experiencing water supply issues in Kent, Sussex, and Leicestershire
11:16 , Harriette BoucherHundreds of people in England are experiencing issues with their water supply amid the heatwave, leaving them with low pressure or no water.
South East Water said around 250 properties in Kent had problems with their water for three days.
It’s website said issues were caused by a high demand for water, as it urged customers to use water wisely to ensure there is enough for everyone.
The company told Sky News it was delivering bottled water to affected customers.
It was also fixing a burst water main in the Decoy Drive area of Eastbourne in Sussex, which is affecting the water supply of 168 properties, the broadcaster reported.
Around 200 Anglian Water customers in Leicestershire were also experiencing issues with their supply.
"The pump issues coupled with the impact of the hot weather, means the system is having to play catch up," it told Sky.
Hundreds experiencing water supply issues in Kent, Sussex, and Leicestershire
11:16 , Harriette BoucherHundreds of people in England are experiencing issues with their water supply amid the heatwave, leaving them with low pressure or no water.
South East Water said around 250 properties in Kent had problems with their water for three days.
It said this was caused by high demand for water and urged customers to use water wisely to ensure there is enough for everyone.
The company told Sky News it was delivering bottled water to affected customers.
It was also fixing a burst water main in the Decoy Drive area of Eastbourne in Sussex, which is affecting the water supply for 168 properties, the broadcaster reported.
Around 200 Anglian Water customers in Leicestershire were also experiencing issues with their supply.
"The pump issues coupled with the impact of the hot weather, means the system is having to play catch up," it told Sky.
In pictures: Londoners on the move as the temperatures climb
11:00 , Harriette Boucher
The Met Office's five-day forecast:
10:55 , Harriette BoucherToday
Another very hot day across much of England and Wales with strong sunshine. Fresher across northern areas with sunny spells. A few thundery showers may bubble up across England and Wales later in the afternoon with intense downpours.
Tonight
An easterly breeze will gradually develop overnight, drawing in fresher air to eastern areas. Staying dry but turning cloudier across the northeast. Staying rather warm in the southwest.
Wednesday
Dry on Wednesday with sunny spells for many. Cloudier in the northeast but some bright spells slowly developing. Very warm in the southwest, but feeling fresher elsewhere.
Outlook for Thursday to Saturday
Staying hot across parts of the south through the next few days. A risk of a few thundery showers at times, but largely dry for many.
Delays, power cuts, and flooding: What might happen in today's thunderstorms
10:42 , Harriette Boucher“Intense” thunderstorms have been forecast for parts of England today amid the country’s heatwave.
There could be frequent lightning, large hail, gusty winds and the potential for 30mm of rain in less than an hour, the Met Office said.
The weather agency has warned that where flooding or lightning strikes occur, there is a chance of delays and some cancellations to train and bus services.
There is a slight chance that power cuts could occur and other services to some homes and businesses could be lost, it added.
Spray and sudden flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and road closures, and there is a small chance that homes could be flooded quickly, with damage to some buildings from floodwater, lightning strikes, hail or strong winds.
Warning issued for 'intense' thunderstorms bringing lightning, hail, and rain
10:21 , Harriette BoucherA yellow thunderstorm warning has been issued for Tuesday, as the Met Office anticipates “isolated intense thunderstorms” will bring disruption.
Frequent lightning, large hail, gusty winds and the potential for 30 mm of rain in less than an hour.
The east Midlands, eastern England, London and southeast England, northwest England, southwest England, west Midlands, and Yorkshire and Humber are under the warning.
“Whilst many areas will miss them and remain hot and sunny, isolated thunderstorms are possible this afternoon and into the evening,” the Met Office said.
The warning comes into force at 3pm on Tuesday and is lifted at 10pm.
How long must we swelter before politicians take heatwaves seriously?
10:10 , Harriette BoucherBritain is as woefully unprepared for summer heat as it is winter flooding – and retro-fitting homes with air-conditioning just won’t cut it, says Kat Brown:
How long must we swelter before politicians take heatwaves seriously?
Lines reopened after smoke reported on track between Waterloo and Vauxhall
09:51 , Harriette BoucherAll lines have reopened after smoke was reported on the track between Waterloo and Vauxhall.
South Western Railway carried out a safety inspection following the incident.
It said train services running to and from these stations may still be delayed or revised.
How long will the UK heatwave last as temperatures set to hit 35C
09:45 , Harriette BoucherThe UK continues to experience heatwave conditions following an unprecedented weekend of high temperatures.
The record for the highest minimum temperature in May was broken for a second consecutive day on Monday, with Tuesday set to be even hotter.
The country also recorded its provisional all-time hottest meteorological spring temperature when Kew Gardens in south-west London hit 34.8C on Monday.
An high of 35C is expected across large swathes of southern England and Wales on Tuesday, the Met Office said, which could even creep up to 36C.
Met Office chief operational meteorologist, Dan Suri, said: “What we’ve seen is the influence of warmth building under an area of high pressure near the UK allowing exceptional heat to build allowing maximum and minimum temperatures to reach levels not previously reported at this time of year.
“Further heat is in the forecast for much of England and Wales, with similar temperatures forecast for Tuesday. High pressure is forecast to gradually lose its influence later in the week, though maximum temperatures will still remain high and in the low 30Cs for some mid-week and high 20Cs late this week.”
When will the heatwave end? UK swelters in record temperatures
In pictures: Britons flock outside on spring bank holiday
09:35 , Harriette Boucher
Smoke reported on track between London stations
09:29 , Harriette BoucherSouth Western Railway (SWR) said “smoke was reported on the track” between London Waterloo and Vauxhall stations.
A safety inspection is currently taking place, but SWR did not say whether the incident is related to high temperatures.
Trains are being forced to run slower on some lines while the inspection is carried out.
It has cancelled several services due to run on Tuesday afternoon and early evening to “help minimise any potential disruption” from the hot weather.
Journeys between London Waterloo and Weymouth via Winchester, Southampton and Bournemouth, and between London Waterloo and Aldershot via Woking and Guildford, may be affected.
South Western Railway drops services amid heatwave
09:22 , Harriette BoucherSouth Western Railway has cancelled a number of services scheduled to run on Tuesday afternoon and early evening to “help minimise any potential disruption” from the hot weather.
It warned this may affect journeys between London Waterloo and Weymouth via Winchester, Southampton and Bournemouth, and between London Waterloo and Aldershot via Woking and Guildford.
Another heatwave has hit the UK – here’s how to keep cool
09:15 , Harriette BoucherAccording to Met Office advice, when temperatures soar, we should try to keep out of the sun between 11am to 3pm, when the UV rays are strongest. To stay cool indoors, “close curtains on rooms that face the sun to keep indoor spaces cooler”.
Alex Atkinson, air conditioning technician at Super Brothers, recommends “minimising the use of ovens, stoves, or dryers during the hottest periods, alongside keeping hydrated and having cool showers throughout the day” to help take the edge off.
If you’ve drawn the curtains, pulled the blinds down, and taken all the cool showers you can stomach, and you’re still not feeling comfortable, it may be time to bring in a little extra help.
Luckily, there are plenty of additional devices and tools that we can purchase to help keep our homes cool, and we’ve reviewed some of the best on the market.
From fans to bedding, here’s how to keep cool during a heatwave
What heat health alerts are currently in place?
09:08 , Harriette BoucherA series of heat heath alerts were issued on Friday, ahead of record-breaking temperatures that hit the UK over the weekend.
Amber heat health alerts are in place in the east Midlands, west Midlands, eastern England, London, and the South East.
An amber alert means there could be a rise in deaths, particularly among those ages 65 and over or with health conditions.
Significant impacts are likely across health and social care services, the UKHSA said.
Yellow warnings were issued for the North East, North West, Yorkshire and The Humber, and the South West.
All alerts are due to be lifted at 5pm on Wednesday.
Watch: People at Bournemouth Beach enjoy the sun on the bank holiday Monday
08:59 , Harriette BoucherWhat weather records were smashed on Monday - and what could happen today?
08:50 , Harriette BoucherA trio of weather records were broken in the UK yesterday.
Britons experienced the hottest day of the year so far, as temperatures climbed to 34.8C in Kew Gardens, southwest London.
It was also the hottest May day ever recorded, exceeding the previous May temperature record of 32.8C, which was recorded in 1944.
Monday also marked the hottest bank holiday ever, beating the 33.C recorded in August 2019.
Overnight, parts of the UK experienced their hottest May night ever, with the temperature not falling below 21.3C at Kenley Airfield in south London.
If temperatures climb to 35C today, it will smash the record for the hottest day of the year, as well as the hottest May day on record.
Breaking: Boy dies after being pulled from water at West Yorkshire reservoir
08:43 , Harriette BoucherA 13-year-old boy died after getting into difficulty in a West Yorkshire reservoir on Bank Holiday Monday, police said.
The West Yorkshire force was called to Leadbeater Dam on Lumb Lane, Halifax, just before 3.20pm.
A spokesperson said the teenage boy was pulled from the water and taken to hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Calderdale CID are investigating but said there are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances.
The incident came after the UK recorded its hottest May day since Met Office data began, the forecaster said.
Boy dies after being pulled from water at West Yorkshire reservoir
Mapped: Where temperatures in the UK could climb above 30C today
08:37 , Harriette Boucher
Where in the UK surpassed the May heat record?
08:22 , Holly EvansThe May high record was surpassed in: Heathrow, Greater London (34.4C); Northolt, Greater London (34.2C); Teddington Bushy Park, Middlesex (34C); Benson, Oxfordshire (33.6C); Wisley, Surrey (33.3C); Reading University, Berkshire (33.2C); Wellesbourne, Warwickshire (33.2C); Cippenham, Berkshire (33.0C); Brize Norton, Oxfordshire (32.9C); Charlwood, Surrey (32.9C); Houghton Hall, Norfolk (32.9C) and Santon Downham, Suffolk (32.9C).
It was matched at Marham, Norfolk and Woburn, Bedfordshire.
Wales also provisionally beat its May record as Hawarden Airport reached 32.2C, with the previous peak measured at 30.6C in 1944.
Climate change boosting heatwaves as records broken 'three times more likely'
08:19 , Holly EvansIf validated, the latest May record means seven of the 12 monthly highs have been set since 2003, the Met Office said.
A previous study by the forecasters found breaking that record “is around three times more likely now in our current climate than it would have been in a natural climate not impacted by greenhouse gas emissions”.
This means that the once one-in-a-hundred year event is now a one-in-33 event, it said.
It comes after last week saw lows of minus 5C in Scotland and daytime temperatures more widely peaked at about 14C to 15C.
“We see these changes happening so much more dramatically,” Met Office senior forecaster Greg Dewhurst said on Monday morning, adding that climate change is boosting the heat.
“In the past, heatwaves built and built and built and built over days and days and days – these now just develop so quickly.”
Temperatures are set to reach 35C on Tuesday
08:13 , Holly EvansMore records could be broken on Tuesday after the UK experienced its hottest May day of all time.
The expected high for large swathes of southern England and Wales on Tuesday is 35C – which could creep up to 36C, senior Met Office meteorologist Becky Mitchell said.
Those forecasts span the Midlands, the south-east and south-west England, East Anglia, and South Wales.
Thunderstorms may be sparked in the afternoon, which will affect how hot it gets.
Britons swelter as 'tropical night' recorded on Monday evening
08:07 , Holly EvansThe UK experienced a “tropical night” on Monday as the record for highest daily minimum temperature in May was broken for the second consecutive day.
Temperatures did not fall below 21.3C on Monday at Kenley Airfield, south London, after the UK recorded its hottest May day since Met Office data began, the forecaster said.
The country also recorded its provisional all-time hottest meteorological spring temperature when Kew Gardens in south-west London hit 34.8C on Monday.
The Met Office listed 12 locations where the record was topped on Monday – ranging from Suffolk to Berkshire to Warwickshire – while 97 of its monitoring sites reached or surpassed 30C.
The UK’s previous warmest May night was measured on Sunday when temperatures did not fall below 19.4C at Kenley Airfield.