UK sees hottest start to May, prompting warnings about open-water swimming after boy dies

LONDON (AP) — The U.K. saw its hottest start to May on record Thursday, prompting authorities to warn of the dangers of swimming in still-cold waters following the death of a 16-year-old boy in a lake.

The high was recorded at Kew Gardens in southwest London where the temperature hit 29.3 degrees Celsius (84.7 Fahrenheit). That beat the previous May 1 record high temperature of 27.4 C (81.3 F) in Moray in the northeast of Scotland in 1990.

The heat isn't expected to last, with cooler weather starting to drift in from the north on Friday — bad timing for those looking to bask in the sunshine over the coming three-day weekend. Monday is a public holiday in the U.K.

Forecasters said that the hot spell, which followed one of the warmest and driest Aprils on record, has been a result of the jet stream — which is hugely influential in determining U.K. weather — remaining stuck north of the country, allowing high pressure to settle.

Authorities urged people to be cautious if choosing to go swimming as the water temperature in lakes and the sea remains cold given the time of the year.

The warning came as the body of a 16-year-old boy was found in a lake late Wednesday in Nottingham.

“While work is now underway to understand how the boy came into difficulty, I would like to take this opportunity to highlight this case as a reminder of the devastating consequences of entering open water, regardless of whether people do so deliberately or inadvertently,” Chief Inspector David Mather of Nottinghamshire Police said.

The London Fire Brigade also urged caution around open-water swimming after a 32% increase in water-related incidents last month compared with the same period last year.

“Even when the sun is shining, water temperatures can be dangerously cold,” said Craig Carter, its assistant commissioner for prevention and protection. “Cold water shock can affect anyone, no matter how fit or experienced they are.”

A man swims in the Sky Pool on a sunny day in London, Thursday, May 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

People swim in the Sky Pool on a sunny day in London, Thursday, May 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

A man swims in the Sky Pool on a sunny day in London, Thursday, May 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

People sunbathe on a sunny day at a park in London, Thursday, May 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

People sunbathe on a sunny day at a park in London, Thursday, May 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

People swim in the Sky Pool on a sunny day in London, Thursday, May 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

A man uses his computer on a sunny day at a park in London, Wednesday, April 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

People walk on a sunny day at a park in London, Wednesday, April 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

A woman reads on a sunny day at a park in London, Wednesday, April 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

People sunbathe on a sunny day at a park in London, Wednesday, April 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

A woman feeds a pigeon on a sunny day at a park in London, Wednesday, April 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

People have lunch on a sunny day at a park in London, Wednesday, April 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

People have ice-cream on a sunny day at a park in London, Wednesday, April 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

A couple walk on a sunny day at a park in London, Wednesday, April 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

A woman feeds a pigeon on a sunny day at a park in London, Wednesday, April 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

MANCHESTER, England (AP) — Gabriel Martinelli scored a hat trick as Arsenal advanced to the fourth round of the FA Cup with a 4-1 win at Portsmouth on Sunday.

The Premier League leader came back from going a goal down to the second tier Championship team inside three minutes.

Colby Bishop stunned Arsenal with the opening goal at Fratton Park, but the lead only lasted five minutes when Andre Dozzell scored an own goal. Martinelli put the visitors ahead in the 25th and struck twice in the second half.

Leeds was also behind to Championship opposition, but recovered from 1-0 down to beat Derby 3-1 at Pride Park.

Third-tier Mansfield pulled off an upset to beat Championship side Sheffield United 4-3 and Norwich routed Walsall 5-1.

James Robson is at https://x.com/jamesalanrobson

AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

Leeds United's James Justin scores their side's third goal of the game during the Emirates FA Cup third round match between Derby County and Leeds United, in Derby, England, Sunday Jan. 11, 2026. (David Davies/PA via AP)

Leeds United's Ao Tanaka, right, celebrates with Wilfried Gnonto after scoring their side's second goal of the game during the Emirates FA Cup third round match between Derby County and Leeds United, in Derby, England, Sunday Jan. 11, 2026. (David Davies/PA via AP)

Arsenal players celebrate after a goal during the FA Cup third round soccer match between Portsmouth and Arsenal in Portsmouth, England, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)