The United Kingdom experienced record-breaking temperatures on Wednesday as a sweltering heatwave continued, with forecasters warning that the mercury could climb even higher in the coming days. Provisional figures from the Met Office indicate that the temperature reached 36.1C in Gosport, Hampshire, surpassing the previous June record of 35.6C set in 1976 and 1957.
Red Warnings Issued for Large Swathes of England and Wales
The Met Office has issued a rare red warning for extreme heat covering an area from London and the south coast to Swansea, Somerset, and Birmingham, which remains in force until late on Thursday. The forecaster warned that “significant disruption to daily life is likely” as the UK continues to swelter in exceptionally hot and humid conditions.
Potential for Second Hottest Day on Record
If temperatures reach 39C, it would mark the second hottest day ever recorded in the UK. A reading of 38C would still place it among the top five hottest days and hotter than any day during the 20th century. The Met Office noted that the exceptional heat will spread northwards on Thursday, “with an even hotter day ahead for some with amber and red extreme heat warnings in force.” However, some areas in the south may feel slightly cooler due to a brisk breeze.
Health Alerts and Widespread Disruption
The heatwave has prompted health warnings, school closures, and transport disruption. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued red heat health alerts for the East of England, East Midlands, London, the South East, the South West, and the West Midlands, as well as amber alerts for the North East, North West, and Yorkshire and The Humber. These alerts are active until 11pm on Friday and indicate 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 are expected to be closed or partially closed on Thursday and Friday. Network Rail has advised passengers to travel only if “absolutely necessary” on those days, warning that trains will operate at reduced speeds and on amended timetables, leading to longer journey times and a higher risk of disruption.
Travel Patterns Shift Amid Heatwave
Data from communications giant O2 shows that travel into central London has decreased compared to last week, as workers heed advice to stay at home. Travel to the West End was 13% lower on Thursday compared to the previous Thursday, down by 10% in the City, and by 19% in King’s Cross.
Record-Breaking Temperatures on Wednesday
The first record-breaking temperature of the day was recorded in Charlwood, Surrey, at 35.7C. This was quickly surpassed by provisional readings of 35.8C in Wiggonholt, West Sussex, 36C in Wisley, Surrey, and finally 36.1C in Gosport. Professor Stephen Belcher, chief scientist for the Met Office, described seeing such high temperatures in June as “sobering.” The figures remain provisional and will be verified at the end of the heatwave to determine if a new national record has been set.
Continued Heat and Thunderstorm Warnings
The Met Office has also issued an amber warning for heat on Friday covering much of England, while a yellow warning for thunderstorms is in place for the South West on Thursday evening. With the extreme heat expected to persist into the weekend, an amber warning for extreme heat has been issued for parts of east and south-east England on Saturday.
The heatwave is driven by a “heat-dome” settling over western Europe, bringing extreme conditions across the continent.
