London has experienced its hottest start to May on record, with temperatures soaring to 28°C at Kew Gardens on Thursday, surpassing the previous May 1 record of 27.4°C set in Lossiemouth, Scotland, in 1990. The Met Office confirmed this new milestone, noting that the mercury could climb even higher later in the day, with some forecasts suggesting a potential 30°C in central London-an unprecedented early-May figure since records began in 1860. This exceptional warmth follows an already remarkable April, which was both the sunniest and one of the warmest on record for the UK, setting the stage for these early summer-like conditions.

Meteorologists attribute the heatwave to a persistent area of high pressure over the UK, which has brought clear skies and abundant sunshine, allowing the ground to warm rapidly. Unlike many previous warm spells that drew hot air from continental Europe or North Africa, this surge in temperature is described as "home-grown," with the sun at this time of year being as strong as in August. The lack of rainfall in recent weeks has also contributed, leaving soils dry and more susceptible to rapid heating.

While much of the UK basked in temperatures well above the seasonal average, some regions in Scotland and Northern Ireland remained cooler. Thursday not only marked the hottest start to May but also the warmest day of the year so far, eclipsing highs recorded earlier in the week in Surrey and Herefordshire. However, the Met Office clarified that despite the record-breaking temperatures, the UK is unlikely to officially enter a heatwave, which requires three consecutive days above the local heatwave threshold.

The unseasonal warmth has prompted safety warnings, especially around open water, as the London Fire Brigade reported a spike in water-related incidents. Looking ahead, forecasters expect temperatures to ease by Friday, with cooler air and a return to more typical spring conditions anticipated for the Bank Holiday weekend.