UK Records Hottest May Day and Night
The UK recorded its hottest May day and highest May minimum temperature on record this week, driven by a rapid heatwave.
Lauren Collins ·
UK Records Hottest May Day and Night
The United Kingdom experienced its hottest May day and highest daily minimum temperature on record this week, driven by a rapid heatwave. On Monday, May 29, 2023, Kew Gardens in southwest London registered 34.8C, surpassing the previous May record of 32.8C set in 1922 and 1944. Concurrently, Kenley Airfield in south London recorded a minimum overnight temperature of 21.3C, marking a "tropical night" (temperatures not falling below 20C) and breaking the record for the highest daily minimum temperature in May for the second consecutive day.
This meteorological event saw 97 Met Office monitoring sites reach or exceed 30C on Monday, with 12 locations topping the previous May temperature record. The heatwave conditions are expected to persist, with forecasts predicting highs of 35C across large parts of southern England and Wales on Tuesday, potentially reaching 36C. Many areas are anticipated to meet the heatwave threshold, defined as three consecutive days above a specific temperature, with some regions experiencing these conditions for five days by Wednesday.
The rapid onset and intensity of this heatwave are consistent with broader climate trends. While temperatures are projected to gradually decline from midweek, many areas will still experience highs in the upper 20s. The Met Office noted the quick development of these heat events, contrasting with historical patterns where heatwaves built over several days. This event underscores the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather phenomena.