UK weather live: Temperatures set to hit 35C today after Britain swelters through hottest May night on record
People at Bournemouth Beach enjoy the sun on the bank holiday Monday
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A yellow weather warning for “intense thunderstorms” has been issued, as lightning, hail, and temperatures possibly reaching 36C are forecast for Tuesday.
The Met Office has warned of disruption, forecasting gusty winds and the potential for 30mm of rain in less than an hour this afternoon.
The warning comes into force at 3pm on Tuesday for areas including the east Midlands, eastern England, London and southeast England, northwest England, southwest England, west Midlands, and Yorkshire and Humber. It will be lifted at 10pm.
It comes as the Met Office warned that the hottest May temperature record could be broken again on Tuesday.
As the heatwave persists, train services to and from London Waterloo are being disrupted after a report of smoke on the tracks.
The Met Office said in large swathes of southern England and Wales, the temperature could even creep up to 36C, after Britons sweltered through a “tropical night” on Monday evening.
The record was broken for the hottest spring temperature, with the sunshine reaching 34.8C in Kew Gardens for the end of the Bank Holiday.
Live weather maps: How hot will the UK heatwave get and where could hit 35C?
Harriette Boucher26 May 2026 11:30
Hundreds experiencing water supply issues in Kent, Sussex, and Leicestershire
Hundreds of people in England are experiencing issues with their water supply amid the heatwave, leaving them with low pressure or no water.
South East Water said around 250 properties in Kent had problems with their water for three days.
It’s website said issues were caused by a high demand for water, as it urged customers to use water wisely to ensure there is enough for everyone.
The company told Sky News it was delivering bottled water to affected customers.
It was also fixing a burst water main in the Decoy Drive area of Eastbourne in Sussex, which is affecting the water supply of 168 properties, the broadcaster reported.
Around 200 Anglian Water customers in Leicestershire were also experiencing issues with their supply.
“The pump issues coupled with the impact of the hot weather, means the system is having to play catch up,” it told Sky.
Harriette Boucher26 May 2026 11:16
Hundreds experiencing water supply issues in Kent, Sussex, and Leicestershire
Hundreds of people in England are experiencing issues with their water supply amid the heatwave, leaving them with low pressure or no water.
South East Water said around 250 properties in Kent had problems with their water for three days.
It said this was caused by high demand for water and urged customers to use water wisely to ensure there is enough for everyone.
The company told Sky News it was delivering bottled water to affected customers.
It was also fixing a burst water main in the Decoy Drive area of Eastbourne in Sussex, which is affecting the water supply for 168 properties, the broadcaster reported.
Around 200 Anglian Water customers in Leicestershire were also experiencing issues with their supply.
“The pump issues coupled with the impact of the hot weather, means the system is having to play catch up,” it told Sky.
Harriette Boucher26 May 2026 11:16
Harriette Boucher26 May 2026 11:00
The Met Office’s five-day forecast:
Today
Another very hot day across much of England and Wales with strong sunshine. Fresher across northern areas with sunny spells. A few thundery showers may bubble up across England and Wales later in the afternoon with intense downpours.
Tonight
An easterly breeze will gradually develop overnight, drawing in fresher air to eastern areas. Staying dry but turning cloudier across the northeast. Staying rather warm in the southwest.
Wednesday
Dry on Wednesday with sunny spells for many. Cloudier in the northeast but some bright spells slowly developing. Very warm in the southwest, but feeling fresher elsewhere.
Outlook for Thursday to Saturday
Staying hot across parts of the south through the next few days. A risk of a few thundery showers at times, but largely dry for many.
Harriette Boucher26 May 2026 10:55
Delays, power cuts, and flooding: What might happen in today’s thunderstorms
“Intense” thunderstorms have been forecast for parts of England today amid the country’s heatwave.
There could be frequent lightning, large hail, gusty winds and the potential for 30mm of rain in less than an hour, the Met Office said.
The weather agency has warned that where flooding or lightning strikes occur, there is a chance of delays and some cancellations to train and bus services.
There is a slight chance that power cuts could occur and other services to some homes and businesses could be lost, it added.
Spray and sudden flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and road closures, and there is a small chance that homes could be flooded quickly, with damage to some buildings from floodwater, lightning strikes, hail or strong winds.
Harriette Boucher26 May 2026 10:42
Warning issued for ‘intense’ thunderstorms bringing lightning, hail, and rain
A yellow thunderstorm warning has been issued for Tuesday, as the Met Office anticipates “isolated intense thunderstorms” will bring disruption.
Frequent lightning, large hail, gusty winds and the potential for 30 mm of rain in less than an hour.
The east Midlands, eastern England, London and southeast England, northwest England, southwest England, west Midlands, and Yorkshire and Humber are under the warning.
“Whilst many areas will miss them and remain hot and sunny, isolated thunderstorms are possible this afternoon and into the evening,” the Met Office said.
The warning comes into force at 3pm on Tuesday and is lifted at 10pm.
A thunderstorm warning has been issued (Met Office)
Harriette Boucher26 May 2026 10:21
Live weather map: How hot will it get this week?
Harriette Boucher26 May 2026 10:13
How long must we swelter before politicians take heatwaves seriously?
Britain is as woefully unprepared for summer heat as it is winter flooding – and retro-fitting homes with air-conditioning just won’t cut it, says Kat Brown:
Harriette Boucher26 May 2026 10:10
Lines reopened after smoke reported on track between Waterloo and Vauxhall
All lines have reopened after smoke was reported on the track between Waterloo and Vauxhall.
South Western Railway carried out a safety inspection following the incident.
It said train services running to and from these stations may still be delayed or revised.
Harriette Boucher26 May 2026 09:51
