In pictures: Hottest May day recorded in the UK

André Rhoden-Paul
News imageGetty Images A man and woman wearing sunglasses each eat an ice cream at Bournemouth Beach. Getty Images
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.

News imagePA Media Hundreds of people in the water and on the beach at BournemouthPA Media
Cooling down on Bournemouth's beaches
News imagePA Media A man wearing a white tshirt and black cap drinks a bottle of water. In the backdrop is Big Ben. PA Media
The NHS warned people to keep hydrated, with babies, children and older adults at the highest risk of dehydration
News imageIn 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 In Pictures via Getty Images
A picture-perfect view of Greenwich park in south-east London
News imageBBC Weather Watchers/ Lucie Johnson Several people punt in Oxford . A bridge with two large arches and trees lie in the background. BBC Weather Watchers/ Lucie Johnson
Punts on the River Cherwell in Oxford
News imageBBC Weather Watchers/ Walking Tractor A field of red poppies in Salthouse, Norfolk. Tries and green field lie in the backgroundBBC Weather Watchers/ Walking Tractor
A field red with poppies in Salthouse, Norfolk
News imageBBC Weather Watchers/ Linda's Local Several cows stand in the shade under a tree in a large field. BBC Weather Watchers/ Linda's Local
Cows seeking shade under a tree in a field in Crook of Devon, Perth and Kinross
News imageBBC Weather Watchers/ Pauls Camera A monkey takes rest on a tree branch. BBC Weather Watchers/ Pauls Camera
Taking a rest at the Trentham Monkey Forest in Tittensor, Stoke-on-Trent
News imageBBC Weather Watchers/ Lord Tenby Beachgoers and sun tents line the beach in Tenby, PembrokeshireBBC Weather Watchers/ Lord Tenby
In Wales, people flocked to Tenby North Beach in Pembrokeshire
News imageGetty Images An aerial view of beachgoers at Gyllynhvase Beach in FalmouthGetty Images
A birdseye view of beachgoers in Falmouth, Cornwall
News imageGetty Images A boy in a light-coloured t-shirt and shorts stands at beach stall with toys and beach accessories. Getty Images
A boy makes his selection at a beach stall in Southend
News imageGetty Images A road sign says "avoid route in wintry conditions". A Mercedes convertible drives a long the road with its roof downGetty Images
Convertible car weather in Rosedale Abbey, North Yorkshire Moors
News imageBBC Weather Watchers/ Danny McGuigan Birds and their young are pictured crossing a road in the bright sunshineBBC Weather Watchers/ Danny McGuigan
This feathered family was on the move in the sunshine
News imageGetty Images Adults and children sit on stones as they look down at the valley. They looks at a road and green rolling hills Getty Images
Two families enjoying the views in Rosedale Abbey, North Yorkshire
News imageBBC Weather Watchers/ Silverloon A window in a dark room looks out onto a garden and the sea beyond it. BBC Weather Watchers/ Silverloon
Charity Age UK recommended staying inside during the hottest hours of the day