The United Kingdom has experienced its hottest June day on record for the second consecutive day, with provisional temperatures reaching 36.7°C in Merryfield, Somerset, on Thursday, according to the Met Office. This surpasses the previous record of 36.4°C set earlier the same day at Yeovilton, Somerset, and the Wednesday record of 36.1°C in Gosport, Hampshire. The long-standing June heat record from 1976 has now been broken twice in two days.
Heatwave Impacts and Warnings
The extreme heat has triggered a rare red warning for a swathe of England and Wales, extended until 9pm on Friday for London and parts of east and South East England. Amber warnings are in place for a wider area on Friday, continuing into Saturday for some eastern regions. The Met Office's Greg Wolverson stated: "We've seen a new provisional June maximum temperature record for a second consecutive day as the heatwave continues. This marks unprecedented heat for the month of June and provides further evidence of how high temperature extremes are becoming increasingly common in the UK as a result of human-induced climate change."
Health and Emergency Services Under Strain
The London Ambulance Service reported its highest ever number of life-threatening emergencies on Wednesday, responding to 642 category one calls, including cardiac arrests and patients not breathing. Chief executive Jason Killens said: "We have seen the highest number of life-threatening emergencies in our history, driven by the extreme heat across London." He urged the public to stay out of the sun and keep hydrated. At least two hospitals, Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth and Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, declared critical incidents. The Royal College of Physicians warned of "awful conditions" in NHS facilities, with overcrowding, lack of air conditioning, and temperatures reaching up to 35°C on geriatric wards.
Transport and School Disruptions
Transport services have been disrupted, with one rail operator advising against beach trips due to the heat. Schools and nurseries have closed or introduced early pick-up times. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said schools should decide appropriate measures, while the government coordinates across the UK. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson acknowledged "more to do" to equip buildings for extreme heat. The National Education Union has urged a timetable for installing air conditioning in schools.
Regional Records and Climate Context
Jersey recorded its hottest day since 1894, with a temperature of 39.3°C at the Maison St Louis Observatory. The heatwave, driven by a "heat dome" over western Europe, is intensified by human-induced climate change from fossil fuel burning. The Met Office warned that the June record could be challenged again on Friday as heat moves east. Thunderstorm warnings are in place for parts of Scotland, England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. A 50-year-old man died after entering water at Aberavon beach in Wales, highlighting the dangers of cooling off in open water.
Adaptation and Cooling Measures
London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan launched the city's first heat plan, calling for air conditioning in schools, offices, and hospitals. Councils have opened "cool hubs" in areas including Lambeth, Barking and Dagenham, and Woking. Churches across the country, such as Christ Church in Birmingham and Chichester Cathedral, have provided shade for residents. The UK Health Security Agency has issued red heat health alerts for several regions, with amber alerts elsewhere.
