Millions of Londoners endured a sleepless night as a record-breaking heatwave brought a "tropical night" to the capital, with temperatures remaining above 20°C. A red weather warning for extreme heat remains in place for London and parts of the UK on Thursday, warning of a risk to life.
Record-Breaking Temperatures
Temperatures in London reached 35.1°C on Wednesday, with forecasts of 32°C on Thursday. The previous UK high for June of 35.6°C, set 50 years ago, was broken multiple times on Wednesday, with 36.1°C recorded in Gosport, Hampshire. The Met Office predicts temperatures could hit 36°C in London on Friday.
In Surrey, Charlwood recorded a provisional 35.7°C, beating the old record, but was soon surpassed by 36°C in Wisley. The hottest temperature in Greater London remains 35.1°C.
Health Alerts and School Closures
The UK Health Security Agency extended the red heat-health alert for London by 24 hours, now in place until 11pm on Friday. Similar alerts were extended for the South West, South East, East of England, West Midlands, and East Midlands.
Many schools and shops in London have closed, with hundreds of thousands of workers staying home. A full list of closed schools is available.
Transport Disruptions
Train services have urged passengers not to travel due to the heatwave. Mayor of London Sadiq Khan faced pressure over delays in rolling out air conditioning on the Tube. The first of 94 new Piccadilly line trains with air conditioning, originally expected in late 2023, is now scheduled between December 2024 and June 2025.
Khan said: "What used to be a once in a generation occurrence... now takes place every year... we as a city, we as a country, haven't adapted to be resilient to the consequences of man-made climate change." He added that 40% of Tube trains are now air conditioned, with plans for more.
Search Operation at Testwood Lakes
Hampshire Police are searching for a 15-year-old boy reported missing after swimming at Testwood Lakes near Totton, Southampton. A multi-agency operation is underway, with marine units deployed. The area is off limits while the search continues.
Harry Styles Warns Fans
During a concert at Wembley Stadium on Tuesday, Harry Styles urged fans to stay hydrated and offered to stop the show if anyone struggled with the heat. Wembley relaxed rules for his Friday concert amid the heatwave.
Climate Change Context
Professor Stephen Belcher, Met Office chief scientist, 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." He warned of significant health implications and impacts on transport, energy, and water supply.
