The United Kingdom experienced its hottest May day on record for the second consecutive day, as temperatures in parts of London surpassed 35 degrees Celsius on Tuesday. Kew Gardens in south-west London registered a provisional temperature of 35.1C, surpassing the previous day's record of 34.8C, also set at the same location.

This exceptional early season heatwave has prompted significant disruption and health warnings across the country. Wales also saw its May temperature record broken for the second day running, with 32.3C recorded at Cardiff's Bute Park, edging out Monday's 32.2C reading in Flintshire.

The soaring temperatures have led to operational challenges for the transport network, with train services experiencing delays and cancellations. Network Rail implemented speed restrictions on tracks to prevent infrastructure damage, such as overhead lines expanding and rails buckling under the extreme heat. South Western Railway warned of potential cancellations and delays of up to 60 minutes across its entire network, while LNER services between Peterborough and London Kings Cross were also affected.

Six amber heat health alerts, issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), are in effect across much of England until Thursday. These alerts signal likely significant impacts on health and social care services due to increased demand caused by the high temperatures.

Much of England and Wales are officially experiencing a heatwave, defined by reaching specific temperature thresholds for three consecutive days. These record-breaking temperatures, which have surpassed previous May highs of 32.8C set in 1922 and 1944, are occurring earlier in the season than historically observed.

According to the Met Office, this early season heat is consistent with the long-term trend of rising global temperatures attributed to human-caused climate change. Chief operational meteorologist Dan Suri noted that the high temperatures are influenced by warmth accumulating under an area of high pressure situated near the UK.

The Met Office highlighted on X that the record has not just been broken but "smashed," exceeding the previous high by a full two degrees Celsius on consecutive days. This sustained period of extreme heat underscores the growing impact of climate change on weather patterns.

As the nation grapples with these unprecedented temperatures, discussions continue regarding public health preparedness, infrastructure resilience, and the broader implications of a warming climate for seasonal weather extremes.