In pictures: Hottest May day recorded in the UK

12 hours ago

André Rhoden-Paul

News image — Perfect weather for an ice cream in Bournemouth

Getty Images A man and woman wearing sunglasses each eat an ice cream at Bournemouth Beach. — Perfect weather for an ice cream in Bournemouth

The UK has recorded its hottest-ever May temperature as the mercury rose to 34.8C in Kew Gardens in south-west London.

Many other areas in the south-east of England also reached temperatures in the 30s.

BBC Weather said highs expected in parts of the UK on Monday and Tuesday could exceed top temperatures in Lagos, Cairo and Ho Chi Minh City.

The Met Office said the heat would be "exceptional in the UK even in mid-summer, let alone in May".

An amber health alert issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) also remains in place warning that there is a risk of a significant impact across health and social care services.

PA Media Hundreds of people in the water and on the beach at Bournemouth — Cooling down on Bournemouth's beaches

PA Media A man wearing a white tshirt and black cap drinks a bottle of water. In the backdrop is Big Ben. — The NHS warned people to keep hydrated, with babies, children and older adults at the highest risk of dehydration

In Pictures via Getty Images A woman in a blue dress wears a hat as she takes a picture of the Naval College and Greenwich Park. In the background is the silhouette of the skyscrapers of Canary Wharf — A picture-perfect view of Greenwich park in south-east London

BBC Weather Watchers/ Lucie Johnson Several people punt in Oxford . A bridge with two large arches and trees lie in the background. — Punts on the River Cherwell in Oxford

BBC Weather Watchers/ Walking Tractor A field of red poppies in Salthouse, Norfolk. Tries and green field lie in the background — A field red with poppies in Salthouse, Norfolk

BBC Weather Watchers/ Linda's Local Several cows stand in the shade under a tree in a large field. — Cows seeking shade under a tree in a field in Crook of Devon, Perth and Kinross

BBC Weather Watchers/ Pauls Camera A monkey takes rest on a tree branch. — Taking a rest at the Trentham Monkey Forest in Tittensor, Stoke-on-Trent

BBC Weather Watchers/ Lord Tenby Beachgoers and sun tents line the beach in Tenby, Pembrokeshire — In Wales, people flocked to Tenby North Beach in Pembrokeshire

Getty Images An aerial view of beachgoers at Gyllynhvase Beach in Falmouth — A birdseye view of beachgoers in Falmouth, Cornwall

Getty Images A boy in a light-coloured t-shirt and shorts stands at beach stall with toys and beach accessories. — A boy makes his selection at a beach stall in Southend

Getty Images A road sign says "avoid route in wintry conditions". A Mercedes convertible drives a long the road with its roof down — Convertible car weather in Rosedale Abbey, North Yorkshire Moors

BBC Weather Watchers/ Danny McGuigan Birds and their young are pictured crossing a road in the bright sunshine — This feathered family was on the move in the sunshine

Getty Images Adults and children sit on stones as they look down at the valley. They looks at a road and green rolling hills — Two families enjoying the views in Rosedale Abbey, North Yorkshire

BBC Weather Watchers/ Silverloon A window in a dark room looks out onto a garden and the sea beyond it. — Charity Age UK recommended staying inside during the hottest hours of the day

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