Wednesday has been declared the hottest June day ever recorded in the UK, as the temperature soared to 35.7°C in Charlwood, Surrey, surpassing the previous record of 35.6°C set in 1976. The extreme heat is part of a broader heat-dome settling over western Europe, bringing unprecedented conditions across the continent.
Record-Breaking Heat and Widespread Impacts
The Met Office confirmed the new high, noting that human-driven climate change is fueling increasingly frequent and intense heatwaves. At least 1,000 schools and nurseries in England and Wales have fully or partially closed, with some implementing early finishes or relaxing uniform rules. Transport services have been disrupted, and authorities urge people to stay indoors, close windows and curtains, and stay hydrated.
The heatwave has prompted calls for the government to take more action to protect the UK from extreme heat, including cooling measures for hospitals, schools, and care homes. The Met Office's red warning for extreme heat, initially covering an area from London to Swansea and Somerset to Birmingham, has been extended to include the south coast, encompassing Brighton, Bognor Regis, Portsmouth, Southampton, Bournemouth, and Dorchester. The warning runs until the end of Thursday, with an amber warning for Friday covering much of England.
Health Alerts and Official Statements
Met Office chief forecaster Matthew Lehnert said: “This is exceptional heat for June with temperature records expected to be broken this week. Red warnings are reserved for the most severe events and we’re expecting significant impacts from this heatwave, with health issues likely, even beyond those who are more vulnerable to the heat.”
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued red heat health alerts for the East of England, East Midlands, London, the South East, the South West, and the West Midlands, and amber alerts for the North East, North West, and Yorkshire and The Humber. These alerts, in place from 1am Wednesday to 11pm Thursday, indicate that adverse temperatures are likely to impact health and wellbeing.
Education and Transport Disruptions
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson urged parents to send children to school if they remain open, stating: “I know hot weather can be a struggle. But my message to families is simple: if your child’s school is open, you should keep sending them into school. Teachers are relaxing uniform rules, keeping classrooms cool, making sure children are hydrated, teaching critical skills like water safety, and avoiding vigorous activity on the hottest days. If your child has medical needs which mean you’re especially worried about the heat, talk to your school about what they can do. Every day of absence and lesson missed has a cost – and that cost falls hardest on our most disadvantaged pupils and working class communities. So, pack a water bottle, put on the sunscreen, and trust that your child’s school has got this.”
Transport bosses have urged people to avoid traveling on Wednesday and Thursday, warning those who do to prepare for disrupted journeys. Transport for Wales has cancelled services across the country due to extreme heat and a shortage of trains, affecting routes between Manchester and Cardiff, Coryton and Penarth, Ebbw Vale and Cardiff, Bridgend and Maesteg, Chester and Wrexham, Llandudno Junction and Blaenau Ffestiniog, and Pontypridd and Cardiff Bay. Most routes remain cancelled until the end of the day.
Road Safety and NHS Advice
The RAC reported a 20% increase in callouts to broken-down vehicles on Tuesday compared to usual, with Wednesday expected to be even more challenging. Spokesman Simon Williams said: “We strongly urge people to avoid driving unless it’s essential, as breaking down in these conditions is potentially life-threatening if they aren’t properly prepared.”
NHS advice for coping during a heatwave includes keeping out of the heat when possible, cooling down with cold food and drinks, and closing windows and blinds during the day to keep heat out of living spaces.
