UK basks in record May heat before dramatic temperature drop over bank holiday weekend

The Bank Holiday Monday is likely to feel chilly and overcast, with both Sunday and Monday expected to reach no higher than 15°C, accompanied by clouds and limited sunshine.

Britain's early May heatwave on Thursday continued with temperatures hovering around 26°C (79°F), following the hottest start to May on record. However, forecasters are warning that the unusually warm spell will soon give way to a sharp and sudden drop in temperatures over the upcoming Bank Holiday weekend.

On Wednesday, Kew Gardens in London recorded a scorching 29.3°C (84.7°F) — the highest temperature ever registered on May 1, marking the UK's warmest day of 2025 so far. It also continued a four-day streak of climbing highs, which saw 26.7°C (80.1°F) on Wednesday, 24.9°C (76.8°F) on Tuesday, and 24.5°C (76.1°F) on Monday.

While today is expected to remain warm and sunny, the mercury will begin to dip tomorrow with highs reaching only around 22°C (71°F). A notable shift is forecast from Sunday onwards, as cooler air moves in, dragging daytime temperatures down to 15°C (59°F) across much of the country.

The Bank Holiday Monday is likely to feel chilly and overcast, with both Sunday and Monday expected to reach no higher than 15°C, accompanied by clouds and limited sunshine. The cooler trend is expected to persist through the following week, with highs ranging between 16°C (61°F) and 17°C (63°F) amid mostly overcast skies and only brief sunny spells.

According to Met Office meteorologist Craig Snell, "Temperatures will range from low double figures in the north to the mid-teens in the south, with averages of around 10°C (50°F) in northern Scotland and 15°C (59°F) or 16°C (61°F) in southern England."