UK Swelters as Heat Matches Bangkok Levels

Unprecedented heat of 35 degrees Celsius in the UK shattered a century-old spring temperature record at London’s Kew Gardens and Heathrow Airport on Tuesday. This marks the second consecutive day of record-breaking temperatures recorded by the Met Office. The previous highest spring temperature dates were from 1922 and 1944.

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UK residents responded to the sweltering conditions by swarming to parks shirtless and hoarding ice creams, labeling the weather "absolutely unbearable." In contrast, Thai residents expressed bewilderment, considering 35 C to be a standard day, akin to the temperature experienced between the BTS station and the mall in Bangkok.

Authorities in Britain have issued warnings urging people to stay hydrated and avoid lengthy sun exposure, while Thai residents offered simpler advice: drink plenty, stay shaded, and maintain a sense of humor. The heat wave stretched the UK’s infrastructure capabilities, causing disruptions to trains, roads, and the collective patience of citizens dealing with homes ill-suited for such temperatures.

This heat wave is part of a broader pattern affecting Western Europe, with climate experts warning of increased frequency and intensity in extreme temperatures. Despite the serious undertone, British citizens seem more focused on adapting with creative meal choices and comparing London’s heat to tropical climates, although Thailand has humorously refuted such comparisons.

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now · Khaosod · 27 May 2026