UK weather: Met Office confirms May was sunniest month since records began

The UK has recorded its sunniest month ever, according to the Met Office.

The country saw 266 hours of sunshine in May, more than any other month since records began.

England has experienced its driest May ever with water companies facing record demand from customers.

It comes after the UK enjoyed an unprecedented Spring, with 626 hours of sun, compared with the previous high of 555 hours in 1948.

Dr Mark McCarthy, head of the Met Office’s National Climate Information Centre, said: “The most remarkable aspect is just how much some of the May and Spring records for these climate statistics have been exceeded.

"Exceeding the UK sunshine record is one thing, but exceeding by over 70 hours is truly exceptional.

England has also experienced its driest May ever (Getty Images)

“The sunshine figures for spring would even be extremely unusual for summer and only three summers would beat Spring 2020 for sunshine hours.

“The principal reason for the dry and sunny weather is the extended period of high pressure which has been centred over or close to the UK.

"This has suppressed the development of clouds and rainfall over the UK, while allowing plenty of sunshine to reach the surface.

Forecasters say the country is in for another scorcher tomorrow (Met Office)

"There has been a band of similar weather conditions extending across central parts of Europe, whereas Iberia and parts of Scandinavia have experienced rather wetter conditions.”

Harvey Bradshaw, executive director for environment and business at the Environment Agency, said there had been a fall in river flows and reservoir levels with the dry conditions.

He added: "However, at this time most water companies across the country have appropriate water reserves for this time of year."

Water UK chief executive Christine McGourty added: “These are exceptional times and the record-breaking dry weather is a powerful reminder of what a precious, natural resource our water is.

"With so many people at home and enjoying their gardens, water companies are seeing record demand for water, which can cause issues with water pressure."

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