Millions of Londoners endured a sleepless 'tropical night' as temperatures stayed above 20C, with the capital sweltering through a record-breaking heatwave. The UK recorded its hottest-ever June day on Wednesday, reaching 36.1C in Gosport, Hampshire, surpassing the previous 50-year record of 35.6C. 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 Temperatures and Forecast
Temperatures in London hit 35.1C on Wednesday, with forecasts of 32C on Thursday and a potential 36C on Friday. The Met Office predicts further heat, with the UK Health Security Agency extending the red heat-health alert for London until 11pm on Friday. The South West, South East, East of England, West Midlands, and East Midlands also have extended red alerts.
In Surrey, Charlwood recorded 35.7C, briefly breaking the June record before Wisley hit 36C. The highest temperature in Greater London remains 35.1C.
Impact on Schools and Transport
Many schools and shops in London have closed, with hundreds of thousands of workers staying home. Train services have urged passengers not to travel due to the heat. The Mayor of London, Sir Sadiq Khan, acknowledged public transport delays, stating: 'People across the country I am afraid will have to bear with us – our public transport system is not made for temperatures approaching 40C.' He added that 40% of Tubes are now air conditioned, with plans to increase that.
Khan faced pressure over delays in rolling out air-conditioned trains on the Piccadilly line, originally expected in late 2023 but now pushed to between December 2024 and June 2025.
Health and Safety Warnings
Hampshire Police launched a search for a 15-year-old boy reported missing after swimming at Testwood Lakes, Southampton, on Wednesday. A multi-agency operation is ongoing, with marine units deployed. The area is off-limits as the search continues.
Harry Styles, performing at Wembley Stadium, 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
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.' He warned of significant health implications from heat stress, as well as impacts on transport, energy, and water supply.
Khan noted that London and the UK have not adapted to climate change, calling it a 'once in a generation occurrence' now happening every year. He promised to publish a plan for dealing with extreme heat.
