Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Much of the UK experienced soaring temperatures in an early season May heatwave across England and Wales By Simon King Lead Weather Presenter With temperatures hitting a record breaking 35.1C this week, it has been an exceptional May heatwave. In its build up we saw temperatures increase rapidly - by up to 10C in just two days in some locations. Historically, it would have been more common to see a gradual increase of a degree or two each day. The rapid onset from an average to high, even extreme, temperature - or a "heat spike" - is something I and fellow meteorologists have noticed happening more often. Ed Hawkins, professor of climate science at the University of Reading, told the BBC that "Today's heat events are emerging earlier, intensifying faster and occurring across a much warmer background climate".…