The UK experienced its hottest June day on record on Wednesday, with provisional temperatures reaching 35.7°C in Charlwood, Surrey, and 35.8°C at Wiggonholt, West Sussex. The Met Office confirmed that these figures broke the previous June record of 35.6°C set in 1976 and 1957, with temperatures expected to rise further in the coming hours and days.
Record-Breaking Heat and Red Warning
The new high comes as much of England and Wales swelters in exceptionally hot and humid conditions, prompting the Met Office to issue a rare red warning for extreme heat. The warning covers areas from London and the south coast to Swansea, Somerset, and Birmingham, and is in effect for Wednesday and Thursday. The heatwave is driven by a “heat-dome” settling over western Europe, bringing extreme conditions across the continent.
Met Office science manager Amy Doherty stated: “If confirmed, a new June daily temperature record would be significant, especially following on the heels of the recent records set in May. The new record provides further evidence that temperatures previously considered extreme are becoming increasingly common as a result of human-induced climate change.”
Health Alerts and School Closures
Red heat health alerts have been issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) for the East of England, East Midlands, London, the South East, the South West, and the West Midlands. Amber heat health alerts are in place for the North East, North West, and Yorkshire and The Humber. These alerts are active from 1am on Wednesday to 11pm on Thursday, warning that “adverse temperatures are likely to impact on the health and wellbeing of the population.”
At least 1,000 schools and nurseries in England and Wales will be either closed or partially closed over the next two days. Some schools have introduced early finishing times or relaxed uniform rules to help pupils cope with the heat. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson urged parents to send children to school if they remain open, stating: “I know hot weather can be a struggle. But my message to families is simple: if your child’s school is open, you should keep sending them into school.”
Transport Disruption and Nighttime Heat
Transport bosses have urged people to avoid travelling on Wednesday and Thursday, warning those who do to “prepare for a disrupted journey.” Travel into central London has already decreased compared to last week as workers heed advice to stay home. Disruptions have been reported on several rail lines.
Nighttime temperatures have been unusually high, staying above 20°C in many places. Brize Norton in Oxfordshire did not dip below 22.3°C, and Heathrow, west London, remained above 22.1°C. These “tropical nights” make it difficult for people to sleep and recover from the daytime heat, experts warn.
Climate Change and Future Risks
The record-breaking heat has renewed calls for the government to take more action to protect the UK from increasingly extreme heat, including cooling systems for hospitals, schools, and care homes. The Met Office noted that the frequency and intensity of heatwaves have increased worldwide due to climate change.
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. Events like this bring home the implications of climate change, with very high temperatures and humidity bringing significant health implications from heat stress, as well as impacts to a range of sectors such as transport, energy and water supply.”
Temperatures could rise even higher on Thursday, with the Met Office forecasting potential highs of 39°C, which would make it the second hottest day in the UK on record and the hottest June day ever. Even if temperatures reach 38°C, that would still be among the top five hottest days ever recorded and hotter than any day in the 20th century.
