Happy Morning!
Temperatures soaring toward 31°C with pleasant sunshine — here's everything you need to know before stepping outside this Sunday.
20°C Current Temp
31°C Today's High
Partly Sunny Conditions
5%Rain Chance
What's the weather like in London today?
London is waking up to a glorious late-May Sunday. The sky is partly sunny with scattered cloud and temperatures already sitting at a comfortable 20°C as of this morning — climbing sharply toward a high of 31°C by mid-afternoon. If you were hoping for classic grey skies and drizzle, today will disappoint. This is London showing off its summer side.
With a negligible 5% chance of any rain, Londoners can safely leave their umbrellas at home. The partly cloudy cover will provide occasional shade, making conditions feel pleasant rather than stifling — at least in the morning hours.
The heat is not a one-day blip. Monday and Tuesday push even higher — into the low-to-mid 30s — before a brief dip on Wednesday. Londoners planning outdoor activities over the bank holiday weekend should be aware that this is a genuine heat event building across the week.
Why is it so warm for late May?
Late May heat surges in London are often driven by high-pressure systems drawing warm continental air northward from mainland Europe. When this Azores High extends its ridge over Britain, skies clear, winds drop, and temperatures can quickly rival southern Europe. That pattern appears to be firmly in place this week, with no frontal systems forecast to break through until at least mid-week.
For context, the long-term average maximum temperature for London in late May sits around 19–20°C — meaning today's forecast of 31°C represents roughly 11°C above the seasonal norm. While not unprecedented, it is notably exceptional and warrants extra care.
Precautions before you head outside
With temperatures heading well above 30°C, this is not a day to be complacent. Here are the most important steps to take before leaving home:
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Stay hydrated — Carry at least 1–1.5 litres of water if you plan to be outside for more than an hour. Avoid caffeinated and alcoholic drinks, which accelerate dehydration. Signs of dehydration include dizziness, headache, and dark urine.
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Apply high-factor sunscreen — Use SPF 30 or above on all exposed skin, reapplying every two hours if you're spending extended time outdoors. UV levels in London can be deceptively high on clear late-May days, even when there is light cloud cover.
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Wear a hat and light clothing — A wide-brimmed hat significantly reduces sun exposure to your face, neck, and ears. Opt for loose, light-coloured, breathable fabrics. Dark or tight clothing retains heat and increases discomfort.
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Avoid peak sun hours — The most intense heat and UV radiation typically occurs between 11am and 3pm. If you are exercising, gardening, or attending outdoor events such as a picnic or the park, aim to do so before mid-morning or after 4pm.
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Check on vulnerable people — Elderly relatives, young children, and those with heart or respiratory conditions are most at risk in heat above 30°C. Ensure they have access to cool, shaded spaces and are drinking adequate fluids throughout the day.
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Never leave children or pets in cars — A parked car can reach dangerously high internal temperatures within minutes. Even with windows cracked, this constitutes a life-threatening environment for children, dogs, and other animals.
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Wear UV-protective sunglasses — On bright, partly sunny days like today, prolonged squinting into glare can cause eye strain and longer-term UV damage. Look for lenses with a CE mark and UV 400 protection.
Best places to enjoy the sunshine safely
London's parks are perfectly suited to a warm, sunny day. Hyde Park, Richmond Park, Victoria Park, and Hampstead Heath all offer ample shade from mature trees as well as open spaces for picnics and leisure. The South Bank riverside walkway provides a breezy outdoor option with natural airflow from the Thames keeping temperatures slightly cooler. If you'd prefer to avoid the heat altogether, the city's museums — all free of charge — offer excellent air-conditioned alternatives.
Today is a day to embrace the London sunshine, but do so wisely. Keep water close, protect your skin, and keep an eye on the forecast through the week as temperatures continue to build. WeatherLondon.uk will update this page throughout the day as conditions develop.
