London: The ongoing UK heatwave has prompted renewed water safety warnings across the country as record-breaking temperatures continue to draw people to rivers, lakes, and coastal areas.
Safety organisations and emergency services have urged the public to remain cautious when entering open water during the UK heatwave, warning that water temperatures remain dangerously cold despite the unusually hot weather conditions.
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) warned of the “very real risk” associated with swimming in open water during the UK heatwave. Steve Instance, water safety lead for the charity, said waters around the UK remain “very much winter temperatures,” increasing the risk of cold water shock.
It was another very warm day across much of England and Wales, sparking a few thunderstorms during the day ⛈️
Here are the extremes for Wednesday 27 May 👇https://t.co/xsMwTiYpHg pic.twitter.com/VsXCcrIsEU
— Met Office (@metoffice) May 27, 2026
The warning comes as the UK heatwave brought the hottest May temperatures ever recorded in some parts of the country earlier this week. Health services have also recorded a significant increase in people seeking advice related to heat exposure during the UK heatwave.
NHS England said more than 20,000 visits were made to its heatstroke advice webpage on Monday alone, compared with 488 visits during the same period the previous week. Across the bank holiday weekend, the webpage recorded nearly 37,000 visits.
The UK heatwave has additionally caused water supply disruptions in several regions. South East Water confirmed that around 18,000 customers in Kent were experiencing supply issues, with some households expected to face intermittent water access until reservoir levels recover.
Matthew Dean, head of operations control at South East Water, encouraged residents who still have running water to use it only for essential purposes such as drinking, washing, and cooking. Dean also advised households to store some water for essential use.
The company added that bottled water collection stations had already been established, while engineers continue monitoring the situation.
Water supply issues linked to the UK heatwave were also reported in parts of Sussex and Leicestershire earlier this week, affecting several hundred homes. Forecasters said that while parts of the UK will remain warm on Thursday, temperatures associated with the UK heatwave are expected to gradually ease over the coming days.
The Met Office predicted highs of 31 °C in London, lower than the 35.1 °C recorded at Kew Gardens on Tuesday during the peak of the UK heatwave. Temperatures in the Midlands and North West are expected to reach around 28 °C.
Meteorologists also noted that another “tropical night,” where temperatures stay above 20 °C overnight, is unlikely. While Friday may still remain warm, cooler conditions and possible showers are forecast for the weekend, bringing some relief after the intense UK heatwave.
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