The UK is preparing for potentially record-breaking temperatures, with schools set to close and the public advised to avoid travel, as unprecedented red heat weather warnings take effect. Temperatures may reach 40C on Wednesday and Thursday across certain areas of England and Wales as a "heat-dome" positioned over western Europe has triggered extreme conditions throughout the continent.
Red Weather Warning in Effect
The Met Office has issued a red weather warning for extreme heat encompassing a region extending from London to Swansea and Somerset to Birmingham, valid from 9am on Wednesday until 9pm on Thursday. At the height of the heatwave over these two days, temperatures could approach the UK's all-time record of 40.3C, which was recorded in Lincolnshire in July 2022. This latest spell of hot weather is also anticipated to exceed the June record of 35.6C established in Hampshire in 1976.
The Met Office warned that a combination of severe heat and humidity may affect public health, infrastructure, power and water supplies, and trigger heat-related problems across various sectors including transport, energy and water provision. The agency also cautioned that water safety incidents could rise during the heatwave, as greater numbers of people are expected to head to coastal locations, lakes or rivers.
Forecast and Health Alerts
Met Office spokesman Grahame Madge said: "The Met Office is flagging 39C as a headline maximum temperature on Thursday, most likely for somewhere in London or the South East. It is possible we could see temperatures higher than the 39C if the final values are at the upper end of our narrow range. It is important to remember that the temperature value is only one element of this extreme heatwave story. The other major factor is the high humidity, which for many will make the intense heat even harder to endure."
BBC weather forecaster Chris Fawkes predicted the June temperature record would be "absolutely smashed", telling the Today programme: "I think this afternoon we're probably looking at highs reaching around 37C, maybe 38C, so by a big margin we are likely to set a new June temperature record." The highest temperature recorded on Tuesday was 34.6C in Wisley, Surrey, the Met Office confirmed.
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, while amber heat health alerts have been issued for the North East, North West, and Yorkshire and The Humber. Running from 1am on Wednesday until 11pm on Thursday, these alerts indicate that "adverse temperatures are likely to impact on the health and wellbeing of the population."
School Closures and Transport Disruption
The extreme temperatures forecast for Wednesday and Thursday are anticipated to create difficulties for parents, as schools either finish early or shut completely to safeguard pupils during the heatwave. Nearly 100 schools across Somerset will be completely closed on Wednesday and Thursday, Somerset Council has confirmed. Approximately 100 schools across Buckinghamshire will be at least partially shut over the coming two days, while 86 schools in Gloucestershire face similar closures, according to local authority figures. Pupils at certain schools have been informed they may attend in PE kit instead of standard school uniform, which typically includes long trousers and blazers.
Transport authorities have advised the public to avoid journeys on Wednesday and Thursday, cautioning those who must travel to "prepare for a disrupted journey." National Rail issued warnings of disruption affecting Gatwick Express, Great Northern, Southern and Thameslink services through to Friday. Avanti West Coast announced plans to operate a reduced timetable between Tuesday and Thursday, adding there was "a risk of further disruption." Meanwhile, Chiltern Railways confirmed it had cancelled more than half its services until Friday "to ensure the safe operation of the railway." Eurostar has scrapped four scheduled services between London and Paris on Wednesday and Thursday "due to expected adverse weather."
Safety Advice and Government Response
The London Fire Brigade (LFB) has cautioned residents in the capital to stay safe during the hot spell over the coming days, highlighting particular concerns around wildfire and water-related incidents. The service advised against using disposable barbecues in parks or open spaces as "they pose a significant fire risk as the heat can be retained for many hours," urging those barbecuing at home to position them "away from flammable materials like fences and sheds."
Several NHS trusts across England, including Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and Barts Health NHS Trust, have urged patients attending appointments during the heatwave to bring water and check their travel arrangements in advance. NHS guidance on managing during a heatwave recommends staying out of the heat wherever possible, cooling down with cold food and drinks, and keeping windows and blinds shut throughout the day to prevent heat from building up indoors.
A Government spokesman confirmed that the Cabinet Office convened an official-level COBR meeting on Tuesday morning to address the severe heatwave and would continue to monitor developments closely. Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan triggered a "high" air pollution alert for the capital on Wednesday, following advice from forecasters at Imperial College — the third such warning issued this year.
Military and Environmental Impact
The extreme temperatures have also prompted the Army to call off ceremonial duties in London and Windsor, in order to safeguard the "wellbeing" of its personnel. In a post on X, the Army in London stated: "Due to extreme heat this week, Ceremonial Operations in London & Windsor will be changed or cancelled. The wellbeing of our soldiers, horses and the public will always come first." Meanwhile, Natural Resources Wales (NRW) announced it had discharged additional water into the River Dee to help minimise the risk of fish fatalities amid the soaring temperatures.
