London Braces for Record-Breaking Heat
A red heat health warning is active for London until 9pm on Friday as the week-long heatwave reaches its peak, with temperatures expected to soar as high as 38C. The Met Office stated that the highest temperatures will shift towards east and southeastern England, where maximum temperatures in the shade could exceed 36C and possibly reach 38C in some locations.
The extreme heat has already forced hundreds of schools, shops, and offices in London to close on the hottest days. Rail services are also disrupted, with multiple train operators urging passengers not to travel. The Elizabeth line is running a reduced service between Paddington and Heathrow due to extreme weather, according to Transport for London.
Record Temperatures and Tropical Nights
Londoners are enduring what could be four consecutive tropical nights, with temperatures not expected to drop below 23C overnight. The Met Office confirmed that a new provisional June maximum temperature record for the UK was set on Thursday, reaching 36.7C at Merryfield in Somerset. This follows a record of 35.6C set the previous day. Deputy Chief Meteorologist Greg Wolverson noted: “We’ve seen a new provisional June maximum temperature record for a second consecutive day as the heatwave continues. This marks unprecedented heat for the month of June and provides further evidence of how high temperature extremes are becoming increasingly common in the UK as a result of human-induced climate change.”
Wales also saw its hottest June day on record, with 35.9C in Cardiff, while Northern Ireland matched its previous June high of 30.8C in Castlederg.
Impact on Health Services and Transport
London Ambulance Service has deployed over 400 additional ambulance crews this week and recorded a record 642 category one calls (life-threatening emergencies) on Wednesday, driven by the extreme heat. The service warned that patients can become seriously unwell quickly, and respiratory and heart-related incidents may increase even after temperatures drop. At least two hospitals—Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth and Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust—have declared critical incidents amid the heatwave.
Rail services are heavily affected, with operators urging passengers to avoid travel. The Elizabeth line has reduced services between Paddington and Heathrow due to the heat. Full lists of school closures and train service changes are being updated.
Water Restrictions and Climate Context
While no hosepipe ban is in place for London yet, South East Water has announced a ban in Kent starting July 3, with customers asked to comply immediately. Anglian Water has no plans for a ban but urges water conservation. The Met Office emphasized that such extreme June heat is becoming more frequent due to climate change, with temperatures expected to ease gradually through the weekend.
