Sarah Girling, who lived in Henley, died at her home on May 4.

An inquest was opened into the 59-year-old teacher’s death at Oxfordshire Coroner’s Court by area coroner Nicholas Graham on May 19.

According to the inquest documents, Ms Girling was found deceased with no lifesaving opportunities. Her cause of death remains under investigation.

The case was adjourned for a full inquest to take place at Oxfordshire Coroner’s Court on August 18 at 2pm.

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In a post on the Henley Rowing Club website, it said: “Sarah was a much-loved member of Henley Rowing Club – a lively, supportive and generous presence both on and off the water.

“She was always a pleasure to row with, always ready with encouragement, and always happy to share her knowledge and passion for the sport with others.

Sarah Girling (Image: Henley Rowing Club)

“At Henley Rowing Club, Sarah enjoyed success at many regattas, including two gold medals at the British Masters Championships and a memorable victory at Henley Masters Regatta – achievements of which she was immensely proud.

“She deeply valued the community and friendships she found at HRC, and in turn became an important part of the fabric of the club itself.

“Her trademark beaming smile, positivity and constant support of others carried both her and her crews through many demanding moments over the years.

“She will be greatly missed by everyone who had the privilege to know and row alongside her.”

At 33.6C, Benson near Wallingford was only just beaten by Heathrow at 34.4C, Northolt, in Greater London at 34.2C and Teddington Bushy Park in Middlesex at 34C.

Meanwhile, RAF Brize Norton also broke record May temperatures with a 32.9C reading at one point.

Until Monday, the highest May temperature had been 32.8C which was last reached in 1922 and 1944, the Met Office said.

RAF Benson (pictured) was one of the hottest places in the UK (Image: Jason Hornblow)

Temperature records are usually broken by just tenths of a degree.

It is also 10C to 15C hotter than average for much of the UK, the forecasters’ senior meteorologist Greg Dewhurst reported.

If validated, the latest record means seven of the 12 monthly highs have been set since 2003, the Met Office said.

A previous study by the forecasters found breaking that record “is around three times more likely now in our current climate than it would have been in a natural climate not impacted by greenhouse gas emissions.”

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This means that the once one-in-a-hundred year event is now a one-in-33 event, it said.

It comes after last week saw lows of minus 5C in Scotland and daytime temperatures more widely peaked at about 14C to 15C.

“We see these changes happening so much more dramatically,” Mr Dewhurst said on Monday morning, adding that climate change is boosting the heat.

“In the past, heatwaves built and built and built and built over days and days and days – these now just develop so quickly.

“It’s huge sort of swinging temperatures, and obviously records being broken by day and by night, so it just shows sort of how extreme the weather can change, and how quickly it can change, as well.”

As a result of climate change, all meteorological models are predicting “more extreme heat, more extreme weather events” and “hotter, drier summers – wetter, windier winters”, he added.

The UK’s warmest May night was also recorded on Sunday when temperatures did not fall below 19.4C at Kenley Airfield, Surrey.

The month’s previous record low was 18.9C in 1944.

Temperatures will start to gradually decline from the middle of the week but it will still be largely dry with sunny spells.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued its first amber health alert of 2026 on Friday, warning that there is a risk of a significant impact across health and social care services. The alert will remain in place until Wednesday.

Meanwhile the AA warned that the interior of vehicles can reach 60C on a day when the outside temperature is 27C.

The breakdown service suggested bank holiday motorists should rest about every two hours, avoiding travelling over the hottest times of day and ensure water and snacks are packed.

“Drivers should never leave children, vulnerable passengers or pets inside a parked vehicle, even for a short time,” it said.

Hot weather increases the risk of blowing damaged or incorrectly inflated tyres and coolant systems can come under strain, the AA added, as it recommended drivers check both.

The heat is considered to be dangerous for some vulnerable groups including older adults as their bodies struggle to regulate temperature.

Age UK recommended staying inside during the hottest hours of the day, between 11am and 3pm, and having regular cold baths or showers.