The United Kingdom has set a new June temperature record for the third consecutive day, as an intense heatwave continues to grip the nation. The Met Office confirmed that a provisional temperature of 36.9 degrees Celsius was recorded in Wattisham, Suffolk, on Friday, surpassing the previous day's high of 36.7°C in Merryfield, Somerset.
Red Warnings and Soaring Temperatures
Rare red weather warnings remain in place across parts of the country. Forecasters predict temperatures could reach 36°C in London and 35°C in Manchester on Friday, while Belfast and Cardiff may see highs of 26°C. The prolonged heat has forced schools and nurseries to close, and a hosepipe ban has been implemented in Kent due to surging water demand.
Health Services Under Strain
Health chiefs have highlighted the significant impact on emergency services. The London Ambulance Service (LAS) responded to its highest-ever number of life-threatening emergencies on Wednesday. Craig Harman, LAS chief operating officer, stated: 'I expect demand to grow day on day over the next couple of days.' He urged football fans preparing for England's World Cup match on Saturday to drink alcohol responsibly and consume 'plenty of water' between alcoholic beverages. Harman emphasized that the heat affects not only the elderly and those with underlying conditions, advising: 'I need you to drink water even when you're not thirsty, staying out of the sun during the hottest parts of the day, and particularly not exercising outside.'
On Wednesday alone, LAS experienced a 50% increase in life-threatening emergency calls compared to a typical June Wednesday, with cardiac arrests rising by 30%. Several hospitals have declared critical incidents, including University Hospital Southampton, which cancelled planned operations and outpatient appointments.
