The Weather Outlook

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Retron
24 May 2026 17:16:11
I'm still struggling with the idea of 34C with winds blowing in from the North Sea (which is around 14C at present). The MetO raw, Arpege etc all seem keen, GFS has 28 and even that seems a bit high IMO. We'll see soon enough, just as we'll see whether Wednesday ends up being a rather cold day as currently shown, some 17C colder than the day before and 2C below average - it'll be a fascinating contrast if it comes off as predicted!

https://ukwct.org.uk/weather/may2.jpg 

UserPostedImage

Leysdown, north Kent
Crepuscular Ray
24 May 2026 17:20:20

I still find it amazing how oblivious / nonchalant the general public are about it all - people don't seem to realise just how historic this current spell is, and will be. Even the local papers / radio stations etc are just going on about how "nice" it is / will be, nothing more. 

Even the MetO text forecast underplays the severity of the heat IMO, unchanged from this morning:

Monday:

A fine and dry day, with bright sunshine and light variable winds. Feeling hot, though temperatures could be a degree or two cooler along the coast in any sea breezes. Maximum temperature 34 °C.

Given that the MetO raw has 32 tomorrow and 34 on Tuesday in Leysdown (with an onshore breeze too) I wonder what they'll say tomorrow...

Mind you, we dodged the heat perfectly here today. The high was 21.8 and there's been a pleasant light sea breeze throughout. The MetO raw had 25 or 26 (varied through the day) and that was way off. No complaints here, a decent night's sleep beckons... unlike the next couple of nights!

Originally Posted by: Retron 

I think it's because Londoners are getting used to these heatwaves. Nothing unusual has happened yet north of Nottingham

Jerry

Edinburgh, in the frost hollow below Blackford Hill

TimS
  • TimS
  • Advanced Member
24 May 2026 17:27:33
Arome is also showing bonkers temperatures, but may be overcooking. It had 32-33C in central London today but the max was just under 32C. 

Tomorrow it’s widely 34C, and Tuesday is widely 36C.

Brockley, South East London 30m asl
tierradelfuego
24 May 2026 17:40:22
We were forecast 29c today and got to 30.9c, that being rural and on top of a hill, albeit a small one in comparative terms. 2 degrees above the forecast and certainly not an unusual amount in a hot spell. 6:30pm and it's still 29.9c.

Tomorrow and Tuesday are now forecasting 33c by MetO, so I certainly don't have any doubt we could see 34c, maybe a 35c here. Add on a degree at least for an urban centre... whether it reaches 33c or 36c, it's still a crazy hot May spell

Bucklebury

West Berkshire Downs AONB

135m ASL

VP2 with daytime FARS

Rainfall collector separated at ground level

Anemometer separated above roof level

WeatherLink Live (Byles Green Crew )

Ally Pally Snowman
24 May 2026 18:01:08
A late surge from Kew Gardens 32.3c a cheeky date record to boot.
Bishop's Stortford 85m ASL.
Retron
24 May 2026 18:05:36

A late surge from Kew Gardens 32.3c a cheeky date record to boot.

Originally Posted by: Ally Pally Snowman 

Hah, Radio 2's 7PM news just gave 31.1 at Heathrow as today's high... think they're a bit out there!

Leysdown, north Kent
Ally Pally Snowman
24 May 2026 18:23:00

Hah, Radio 2's 7PM news just gave 31.1 at Heathrow as today's high... think they're a bit out there!

Originally Posted by: Retron 

Yes generally weather stats are poorly reported. 

32.3c at Kew is apparently the sites hottest May temp in its nearly 150 years of reporting.

Bishop's Stortford 85m ASL.
+1
TimS
  • TimS
  • Advanced Member
24 May 2026 18:46:47

Yes generally weather stats are poorly reported. 

32.3c at Kew is apparently the sites hottest May temp in its nearly 150 years of reporting.

Originally Posted by: Ally Pally Snowman 

It looks like either Kew or LHR will be the hotspot tomorrow and Tuesday. Actual point maxima around Camberwell/Peckham where there are no stations. 

Brockley, South East London 30m asl
Chunky Pea
24 May 2026 18:51:42

Arome is also showing bonkers temperatures, but may be overcooking. It had 32-33C in central London today but the max was just under 32C. 

Originally Posted by: TimS 

It could well be the case that those temps were reached in spots, but that there was no (official) weather station to capture them. 

Patrick,

East Galway, Ireland.

Ally Pally Snowman
24 May 2026 19:00:58

It looks like either Kew or LHR will be the hotspot tomorrow and Tuesday. Actual point maxima around Camberwell/Peckham where there are no stations. 

Originally Posted by: TimS 

Could be , the heat will be more widespread Monday and Tuesday though so the highest temperature could be a more random site.

Bishop's Stortford 85m ASL.
The Beast from the East
24 May 2026 19:01:03

I think it's because Londoners are getting used to these heatwaves. Nothing unusual has happened yet north of Nottingham

Originally Posted by: Crepuscular Ray 

The SE corner has seen quite a change in summer climate, Frequent heatwaves but also monsoons. Further north, you are still hanging onto what things used to be like, but that will probably change over time as well

Purley, Surrey, 70m ASL

"We have some alternative facts for you"

Kelly-Ann Conway - former special adviser to the President

Ally Pally Snowman
24 May 2026 19:02:21

It could well be the case that those temps were reached in spots, but that there was no (official) weather station to capture them. 

Originally Posted by: Chunky Pea 

Almost certainly,  the fact St James's Park site is down is a real shame. 

Bishop's Stortford 85m ASL.
Quantum
24 May 2026 19:11:48
HARMONIE consistently going for 36C in London on Tuesday.

25/26 (850hpa temp) 11 days snow/sleet falling

18/11 (-4) 19/11 (-6) 20/11 (-6) 01/01 (-7) 04/01 (-10) 10/01 (-7) 11/01 (-3) 30/01 (-1) 13/02 (-6) 15/02 (-4) 18/02 (-6)

24/25 10d

18/11 (-6) 19/11 (-6) 23/11 (-2) 22/12 (-5) 04/01 (-5) 05/01 (0)14/02 (0) 15/02 (0)12/03 (-6) 13/03 (-6)

23/24 8d

29/11 (-6) 30/11 (-6) 02/12 (-5) 03/12 (-5) 04/12 (-3) 16/01 (-3) 18/01 (-8)08/02 (-5)

22/23 7d

18/12 (-1)06/03 (-6) 08/03 (-8) 09/03 (-6) 10/03 (-8) 11/03 (-5) 14/03 (-6)

21/22 12d

TimS
  • TimS
  • Advanced Member
24 May 2026 19:14:30

The SE corner has seen quite a change in summer climate, Frequent heatwaves but also monsoons. Further north, you are still hanging onto what things used to be like, but that will probably change over time as well

Originally Posted by: The Beast from the East 

I was talking this week to someone who moved to Geneva 15 years ago. He said the climate is unrecognisable. Winters used to alternate between mild and snowy. Now they’re mild, with very occasional snow. Summers used to alternate between hot and moderate. Now they’re almost always hot with the occasional extreme heatwave. 

That’s Western European climate and the SE of England (and the East up to Lincs / Teeside) is part of the same thermo-region. The rest of you are protected by the thermal inertia of the oceans. 

Brockley, South East London 30m asl
+3
Hungry Tiger
24 May 2026 19:34:43
Although we can't break the all time CET for this month due to the 10 day cold spell mid month. I'll be dead interested to see what the CET is for the final 10 days of this month. Bet it'll be incredible.  🙂🙂🙂🙂
Gavin S. FRmetS.

TWO Moderator.

Contact the TWO team - [email protected]

South Cambridgeshire. 93 metres or 302.25 feet ASL.



Hungry Tiger
24 May 2026 19:36:38

I still find it amazing how oblivious / nonchalant the general public are about it all - people don't seem to realise just how historic this current spell is, and will be. Even the local papers / radio stations etc are just going on about how "nice" it is / will be, nothing more. 

Even the MetO text forecast underplays the severity of the heat IMO, unchanged from this morning:

Monday:

A fine and dry day, with bright sunshine and light variable winds. Feeling hot, though temperatures could be a degree or two cooler along the coast in any sea breezes. Maximum temperature 34 °C.

Given that the MetO raw has 32 tomorrow and 34 on Tuesday in Leysdown (with an onshore breeze too) I wonder what they'll say tomorrow...

Mind you, we dodged the heat perfectly here today. The high was 21.8 and there's been a pleasant light sea breeze throughout. The MetO raw had 25 or 26 (varied through the day) and that was way off. No complaints here, a decent night's sleep beckons... unlike the next couple of nights!

Originally Posted by: Retron 

I know exactly what you mean Darren.  A big part of this is due to the hitting of 40C in 2022. These days now 32C is possible from May to October inclusive. An incredible thought really.  🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂

Gavin S. FRmetS.

TWO Moderator.

Contact the TWO team - [email protected]

South Cambridgeshire. 93 metres or 302.25 feet ASL.



Essan
24 May 2026 19:58:00

Arome is also showing bonkers temperatures, but may be overcooking. It had 32-33C in central London today but the max was just under 32C. 

Tomorrow it’s widely 34C, and Tuesday is widely 36C.

Originally Posted by: TimS 

MetO automated forecast had 28c here today and it was 28.2c    Tomorrow it has 34c

That's quite a big increase!

Andy

Evesham, Worcs, Albion - 35m asl

Weather & Earth Science News 

Look in the doubt we've wallowed, look at the leaders we've followed, look at the lies we've swallowed, and I don't want to hear no more

DEW
  • DEW
  • Advanced Member
24 May 2026 20:00:55

The SE corner has seen quite a change in summer climate, Frequent heatwaves but also monsoons. Further north, you are still hanging onto what things used to be like, but that will probably change over time as well

Originally Posted by: The Beast from the East 

Monsoons? When? Where?

My garden plants would like to know

War is God's way of teaching Americans geography - Ambrose Bierce

Chichester 12m asl

Devonian
24 May 2026 20:09:33

The SE corner has seen quite a change in summer climate, Frequent heatwaves but also monsoons. Further north, you are still hanging onto what things used to be like, but that will probably change over time as well

Originally Posted by: The Beast from the East 

Winter monsoons.

But, yes, your are right about this topic.

lanky
24 May 2026 20:37:53

Yes generally weather stats are poorly reported. 

32.3c at Kew is apparently the sites hottest May temp in its nearly 150 years of reporting.

Originally Posted by: Ally Pally Snowman 

By miles - the previous record was 30.3 from 1922

But it will only probably stand for 1 day

Martin

Richmond, Surrey

+2
sunny coast
24 May 2026 20:48:01

I still find it amazing how oblivious / nonchalant the general public are about it all - people don't seem to realise just how historic this current spell is, and will be. Even the local papers / radio stations etc are just going on about how "nice" it is / will be, nothing more. 

Even the MetO text forecast underplays the severity of the heat IMO, unchanged from this morning:

Monday:

A fine and dry day, with bright sunshine and light variable winds. Feeling hot, though temperatures could be a degree or two cooler along the coast in any sea breezes. Maximum temperature 34 °C.

Given that the MetO raw has 32 tomorrow and 34 on Tuesday in Leysdown (with an onshore breeze too) I wonder what they'll say tomorrow...

Mind you, we dodged the heat perfectly here today. The high was 21.8 and there's been a pleasant light sea breeze throughout. The MetO raw had 25 or 26 (varied through the day) and that was way off. No complaints here, a decent night's sleep beckons... unlike the next couple of nights!

Originally Posted by: Retron 

Indeed some of the garbage on social media defies belief  things like normal summer temperatures   and its valled summer .. uyter drivel that winds me up . This spell would be historic in high summer let alone May . Many May temp records will be obliterated . 

scillydave
24 May 2026 21:04:54
UK Met has 36c as the high tomorrow and again on Tuesday - two back to back 36c days in Summer is very rare - in May it's unprecedented.  
Currently living at roughly 65m asl North of Cowbridge in the Vale of Glamorgan.

Formerly of, Birdlip, highest village in the Cotswolds and snow heaven in winter; Hawkinge in Kent - roof of the South downs and Isles of Scilly, paradise in the UK.

Hungry Tiger
24 May 2026 22:59:16

UK Met has 36c as the high tomorrow and again on Tuesday - two back to back 36c days in Summer is very rare - in May it's unprecedented.  

Originally Posted by: scillydave 

If those deliver. 😵😵😵😵😵😵

Gavin S. FRmetS.

TWO Moderator.

Contact the TWO team - [email protected]

South Cambridgeshire. 93 metres or 302.25 feet ASL.



Retron
25 May 2026 03:22:03

If those deliver. 😵😵😵😵😵😵

Originally Posted by: Hungry Tiger 

As I mentioned yesterday, I was a bit unimpressed at the MetO's forecast for today, just saying "feeling hot" - I would have at least said "very hot", which is one of their official terms to use. They've excelled themselves today though! From the forecast for the SE - I wouldn't normally paste as much as this, but considering the historic nature it's worth recording (especially if, as I suspect, this thread ends up in the TWO archives)...

Today:

A fine and dry day, with bright sunshine and light variable winds. Feeling hot, though temperatures could be a degree or two cooler along the coast in any sea breezes. Maximum temperature 35 °C.

Tonight:

Clear skies throughout the evening with light and variable winds, though breezy along the coast. Overnight temperatures remaining relatively mild. Minimum temperature 18 °C.

Tuesday:

A sunny start becoming cloudy with chance of some isolated thundery showers developing in the afternoon. Overnight turns more settled with clearing skies. Temperatures remaining high. Maximum temperature 35 °C.

We have the same "feeling hot" with a max of 35... damned right it'll "feel hot", and the rest! That's 15 or 16C above average, a similar margin to the 40C we had a few years back. Tonight, though, an absolute min of 18 - higher in towns and cities - and all they can say is "relatively mild"! That beggars belief - very warm, notably warm, exceptionally warm, or if they want to go down the "feels like" route, uncomfortably warm. And then tomorrow, another 35, just says "temperatures remaining high". 

It really does downplay both the severity and the unprecedented nature of the heat. As others have said, this would be a notable spell in high summer, but for late May? It's bonkers, frankly.

Leysdown, north Kent
+3
Ally Pally Snowman
25 May 2026 06:48:07
You know when it’s going to be a hot one when Biggin Hill starts flying up early, already 24c. 
Bishop's Stortford 85m ASL.

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