The UK's June temperature record was broken for the fourth time on Wednesday, with a provisional temperature of 36.1C recorded in Gosport, Hampshire, the Met Office confirmed. This surpasses the previous record of 35.6C set in 1976 and 1957.
Provisional readings earlier reached 35.7C in Charlwood, Surrey, 35.8C at Wiggonholt, West Sussex, and 36C in Wisley, Surrey. The figures are provisional and will be verified after the heatwave.
Heat-dome drives extreme conditions
The heatwave, which has prompted a rare red warning for extreme heat from the Met Office, is driven by a "heat-dome" settling over western Europe. This has brought exceptionally hot and humid conditions across much of England and Wales, leading to health warnings, school closures, and transport disruption.
Met Office science manager Amy Doherty said: "If confirmed, a new June daily temperature record would be significant, especially following on the heels of the recent records set in May. The new record provides further evidence that temperatures previously considered extreme are becoming increasingly common as a result of human-induced climate change."
Health alerts and school closures
Red heat health alerts have been issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) for the East of England, East Midlands, London, the South East, the South West, and the West Midlands, effective from 4pm Wednesday to 11pm Friday. Amber alerts cover the North East, North West, and Yorkshire and The Humber. These indicate that "adverse temperatures are likely to impact on the health and wellbeing of the population."
At least 1,000 schools and nurseries in England and Wales will be closed or partially closed over the next two days. Some have introduced early finishes or relaxed uniform rules. 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."
Transport disruption and tropical nights
Transport bosses have urged people to avoid travel on Wednesday and Thursday, warning of disrupted journeys. Travel into central London has decreased as workers heed advice to stay home. Night-time temperatures have stayed above 20C in many places, with Brize Norton, Oxfordshire, not dipping below 22.3C and Heathrow, west London, not below 22.1C. These "tropical nights" make it hard for people to recover from daytime heat.
The heatwave has renewed calls for government action to protect the UK from extreme heat, including cooling for hospitals, schools, and care homes. Met Office chief scientist Professor Stephen Belcher said: "Human induced climate change has made events like this more likely and more intense. To see temperatures like this in the UK in June is sobering."
Search for missing teenager
In Hampshire, Testwood Lakes near Totton, Southampton, were closed to the public as police marine units joined emergency services searching for a 15-year-old boy reported missing after last being seen swimming at 1.35pm on Wednesday. A Hampshire Constabulary spokesman said: "We have deployed the marine units to aid in the search, alongside colleagues from NPAS, South Central Ambulance Service, and Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire Service."
