The Met Office has issued rare red weather warnings for extreme heat expected to hit record June temperatures in parts of England and Wales, with severe impacts on health, transport, schools, and infrastructure. Forecasters predict temperatures could reach 38°C to 40°C, surpassing the previous June record of 35.6°C set in 1976, as a heat dome settles over western Europe, intensified by human-driven climate change.
Red Warning Details
The red warning covers an area from London to Swansea and Somerset to Birmingham, in effect from 9am Wednesday to 9pm Thursday. The Met Office states this is reserved for the most severe events, warning of widespread health risks for the general population, not just vulnerable groups, and potential danger to life. The alert also highlights risks of power, water, gas, or mobile service failures due to heat-sensitive equipment.
Additional Warnings
An amber weather warning is in place for a larger area of England and Wales from Monday to Thursday, and a yellow thunderstorm warning is active until 9pm Monday for areas between Bristol and Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued a red health warning for six English regions—West Midlands, East Midlands, South East, South West, London, and east of England—from 1am Wednesday to 11pm Thursday, indicating risk to life even for healthy individuals.
Meteorologist Comments
Dr Will Lang, chief meteorologist at the Met Office, said: 'We are forecasting extreme temperatures in the next few days, particularly on Wednesday and Thursday, when it looks like we’ll be seeing maximum temperatures into the high 30s. But also we are stressing very high overnight temperatures which will be very uncomfortable for vulnerable groups, and very humid conditions as well.' He noted the heatwave is on a much larger scale than the May heatwave and of greater longevity than the 2022 record heatwave.
Health and Safety Advice
Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at the UKHSA, urged: 'It is vitally important that people understand the risk posed by high temperatures like these, and take steps to keep themselves and their friends, families and neighbours safe.' Fire chiefs warned of increased wildfire and water-related risks, with NFCC chairman Phil Garrigan stating: 'We have already seen the consequences that periods of extreme heat can have, with a number of lives tragically lost in water-related incidents during recent hot weather.'
Transport Disruptions
The Met Office anticipates travel disruptions, including road delays and closures, as well as rail and air cancellations. RAC road safety spokesperson Rod Dennis warned of a potential record number of breakdowns due to heat strain on vehicles, advising drivers without effective air conditioning to avoid non-essential journeys. The AA noted gritters may be deployed on roads where surfaces soften or become sticky under heat.
Schools and Workplaces
The National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) provided guidance to schools on managing the heat, including potential closures. NAHT general secretary Paul Whiteman said: 'While there is no legal “upper limit” for temperature in schools, (school leaders) will certainly be doing all they can to mitigate the effects of such high temperatures.' Employers are urged to assess risks, with Acas recommending fans, portable cooling, more breaks, and relaxed dress codes. Ruth Wilkinson of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health highlighted risks for outdoor workers in agriculture, construction, and the gig economy.
Climate Context
Scientists attribute the heatwave to a heat dome, a high-pressure system trapping heat. Akshay Deoras, senior research scientist at the University of Reading, said: 'This is not just a heatwave, it is a heat-dome driven furnace that will grip most of southern UK and push temperatures into truly exceptional territory.' He added that human-driven climate change has intensified the event. Bill McGuire, professor emeritus at University College London, warned that temperatures above 43°C are now possible, but UK infrastructure is not built for such conditions.
Drought Concerns
Last week, the national drought group reported increased drought risk, with East Anglia returning to prolonged dry weather status and Devon and Cornwall on a watchlist. Farmers face growing pressure, with spring crops affected and early water extraction from rivers and lakes. The Environment Agency is monitoring water levels and rainfall patterns.
