The UK's June temperature record has been broken for the third time, with a provisional reading of 36C recorded in Wisley, Surrey, and Gosport, Hampshire, on Wednesday, according to the Met Office. This surpasses the previous record of 35.6C set in 1976 and 1957.
Earlier in the day, provisional temperatures reached 35.7C in Charlwood, Surrey, and 35.8C at Wiggonholt, West Sussex. The heatwave, which has prompted a rare red warning for extreme heat from the Met Office, is driven by a "heat-dome" settling over western Europe, bringing extreme conditions across the continent.
Climate Change and Record Heat
The 50-year-old record has fallen as climate change, primarily due to burning fossil fuels, drives increasingly frequent and intense heatwaves. Experts warn the UK is not prepared for such extremes. Met Office science manager Amy Doherty said: "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."
Temperatures could rise even higher on Thursday, with the Met Office noting that 39C would make it the second hottest day in UK history and the hottest June day on record. Even 38C would rank among the top five hottest days ever recorded, surpassing any day in the 20th century.
Health Warnings 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, with amber alerts for the North East, North West, and Yorkshire and The Humber. These alerts are in place from 4pm Wednesday to 11pm Friday, warning that "adverse temperatures are likely to impact on the health and wellbeing of the population."
At least 1,000 schools and nurseries will be closed or partially closed in England and Wales over the next two days. Some schools have introduced early finishing times or relaxed uniform rules. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson urged parents to send children to school if 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 Night-Time Heat
Transport bosses have advised against travel on Wednesday and Thursday, warning of disrupted journeys. Travel into central London has decreased as workers heed advice to stay home. Night-time temperatures remained above 20C in many places, with Brize Norton in Oxfordshire not dipping below 22.3C and Heathrow, west London, not below 22.1C. These "tropical nights" make it difficult to sleep and recover from daytime heat, experts warn.
In Hampshire, Testwood Lakes near Totton, Southampton, has been closed as emergency services search for a 15-year-old boy reported missing after last being seen swimming at 1.35pm on Wednesday. Hampshire Constabulary said: "We have deployed the marine units to aid in the search, alongside colleagues from NPAS, South Central Ambulance Service, and Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire Service."
Calls for Greater Climate Action
The heatwave has renewed calls for the government to take more action to protect the UK from extreme heat, including cooling for hospitals, schools, and care homes. Met Office chief scientist Professor Stephen Belcher 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."
