UK records warmest spring, Met Office flags potential summer heatwave

The United Kingdom experienced its warmest spring since records began in 1884, with the seasonal mean temperature in England and Wales reaching a new high. Temperatures peaked at 35.1 °C in Kew Gardens, London, and six consecutive days saw readings above 30 °C. Across the UK, rainfall was 14 % below the long‑term average, raising drought concerns, especially in southern and eastern England where some counties received only about a third of their typical spring rainfall.

Met Office scientists, including Dr Emily Carlisle, said the record illustrates both natural variability and the longer‑term warming trend, noting that exceeding the previous May record is now roughly three times more likely due to greenhouse‑gas‑driven climate change. The agency’s summer outlook (June‑August) predicts above‑average temperatures and an increased chance of heatwaves, although early June is expected to be near normal with a return of showers. A National Drought Group meeting has been convened to monitor water demand and river flows.

Regional data show England and Wales as the hottest, while Scotland recorded its eighth warmest spring and Northern Ireland its joint sixth. Overall, the UK’s spring was the third warmest on record.