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The UK has experienced its warmest April day on record, reaching 26.6°C in London, driven by southerly winds from Europe. This brief heatwave has shifted to cooler, unsettled weather with rain, gales, and snow in some areas. Temperatures are expected to stay near seasonal norms next week, with ongoing variability.
Temperatures are rising across multiple regions, driven by ongoing climate patterns. Spain, Brazil, and North America are experiencing above-average heat, with forecasts indicating these trends will continue. A potential super-strength El Niño is contributing to global warming, impacting weather patterns worldwide. This story is current as of Mon, 20 Apr 2026.
Record‑level and near‑record May temperatures have been reported across multiple regions this week — parts of England and Russia have hit unusually high temps while the eastern US has recorded low‑90s — even as eastern Australia is facing a major rain band. Forecasts show brief, intense heat will give way to fronts or rain in most places; Australia is also seeing El Niño odds rise for winter.
A persistent heat dome has driven unprecedented May temperatures across western Europe this week, with the UK and France having broken May records (Kew Gardens provisionally 35.1°C). Ambulance services have reported record call volumes, amber heat-health alerts have been issued, thunderstorms and fires have followed the heat, and officials are urging caution around open water.
A pan-European heatwave has shattered May temperature records in the UK and France, with London and Kew Gardens reaching 35C while minimum temperatures stay above 20C for consecutive nights. Met Office warnings are in place as authorities warn of heat-related health impacts and potential storms across parts of England.
A cross‑country study using mobile phone data finds people retreat indoors during extreme heat, while malls and parks offer refuge. The UK and Europe face rising temperatures and pressure to adapt school and city infrastructure for resilience. Governments are rolling out heat action plans amid social inequalities in vulnerability.
Unsettled conditions persist midweek, but forecasters expect a warmer, drier spell to begin by the weekend as high pressure builds from the south. Temperatures are forecast to rise into the high teens to low twenties in southern England, with 23-24C possible in the warmest spots.