London has recorded its hottest-ever June day, with temperatures reaching 36.4C at Heathrow on Friday, surpassing the previous record of 35.6C set in Camden in 1957, according to the Met Office.
The UK also saw new June heat records in Suffolk, with a provisional 37.3C at Santon Downham, beating earlier readings of 37.1C in Cavendish and 36.9C in Wattisham. The Met Office noted that the highest temperatures shifted towards eastern and southeastern England, potentially reaching 38C in some locations.
The heatwave has forced hundreds of schools, shops, and offices to close in London and caused disruption on railways, with train operators urging passengers not to travel. The Elizabeth line reduced services between Paddington and Heathrow due to extreme weather, Transport for London said.
Saturday is forecast to reach 33C in London, with morning sunshine giving way to cloudy conditions and a chance of rain. Temperatures are expected to drop next week to highs of 25C and 26C, providing some relief from the heat.
Labour MP Uma Kumaran appealed directly to Mayor Sadiq Khan to accelerate the rollout of air conditioning on the Tube, highlighting baking conditions on public transport. In a video clip, she said: 'Mayor of London, this is asking you, please put air con on the train.'
