Will the UK Break Heat Records for the Start of May, and Will It Last?

Is this the beginning of a summer heatwave or just a short burst of warmth?

As the start of May approaches, the UK is experiencing unusually high temperatures. Many are asking, will the UK break heat records for the start of May, and if so, will the heat last? The weather is always a popular topic of conversation in the UK, but this year’s early warm spell has sparked more interest than usual. Let’s take a closer look at what’s happening with the weather, whether the UK is on track to set new temperature records, and what we can expect in the coming weeks.

Temperatures continue to climb with the hottest start to May predicted on Thursday.

The Current Heatwave: What’s Happening Right Now?

At the start of May 2025, the UK is witnessing some surprisingly high temperatures for the time of year. While it’s common for spring to bring warmer days, the temperatures being forecasted are much higher than usual for this early in the month. In fact, some areas could see temperatures reaching close to 30°C (86°F), which would be well above the average temperatures for May.

The warm weather is largely due to a high-pressure system, which is causing the sun to shine bright and the skies to remain clear. High-pressure systems bring settled weather, which often leads to clear skies and rising temperatures. However, the warm temperatures are not due to the typical seasonal shift of summer slowly creeping in; they are influenced by atmospheric conditions that are particularly unusual for the start of May.

Will the UK Break Heat Records?

One of the most pressing questions is whether the UK will break its heat records for the start of May. Historical weather data reveals that the UK has seen some very hot early May temperatures in the past, but we are still a long way from the highest recorded temperature for this month.

For example, the highest recorded temperature in the UK during May was 32.8°C (91°F), which occurred at Gravesend, Kent, on May 26, 2020. This was an exceptional event, but temperatures above 30°C are still rare for the month of May. However, forecasts suggest that certain areas of the UK could potentially see temperatures in the 27°C to 28°C (81°F to 82°F) range, which is significantly higher than the usual mid-teen temperatures that we typically expect for the time of year.

Whether this warm spell will push the UK to break any official records for the start of May depends on how the high-pressure system behaves in the coming days. If the settled weather persists and continues to bring hot air from southern Europe, it’s possible that records will be broken. However, predicting exact temperature records is always tricky, as small shifts in weather patterns can make a big difference.

How Long Will the Warm Weather Last?

So, if the UK is about to experience record-breaking heat, how long will it last? The short answer is that it may not last long. While the warm weather is expected to continue for a few days, there are signs that temperatures could begin to drop after the weekend.

Meteorologists are predicting that by the start of next week, the high-pressure system may weaken, and cooler air could begin to move in from the north. As a result, we might see temperatures drop back down to more typical spring levels. So, while this warm spell is likely to be enjoyable for those hoping for some early sunshine, it’s not expected to last long.

However, the key takeaway is that the overall trend in recent years has been for warmer temperatures in the UK, especially during the spring and summer months. While this current warm spell may be short-lived, it may be a sign of more frequent hot spells to come as climate change continues to affect weather patterns across the globe.

Is Climate Change Affecting the UK’s Weather?

It’s important to remember that while this warm spell might be unusual for early May, it fits into a broader trend of rising temperatures. Climate change has been linked to increasingly extreme weather events, including hotter summers and milder winters. In the UK, this means that we’re likely to see more heatwaves and above-average temperatures in the coming years.

Scientists have been warning that climate change could lead to more frequent periods of intense heat, especially in the spring and summer. Although this particular heatwave is not necessarily proof of climate change, it is consistent with the kinds of weather patterns we are likely to experience more often in the future.

Conclusion: Will the Heat Last?

In conclusion, while the UK may break some heat records for the start of May, it’s unlikely that the current warm weather will last for long. The high temperatures will likely last for a few more days before cooler conditions return. However, this early heatwave is a reminder of the shifting weather patterns that are becoming more common in the UK. Whether or not the heat lasts, the long-term trend is clear: hotter days may become a more regular feature of the British weather forecast.

For now, enjoy the sunshine while it lasts, but keep an eye on the weather forecast—things could change quickly!

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