The United Kingdom has recorded temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius for the first time in history. The Met Office confirmed that a temperature of 40.3C was measured at Coningsby in Lincolnshire, surpassing the previous record of 38.7C set in 2019. At least 34 weather stations across the country exceeded the old record.
The extreme heat led to a surge in fires, with several fire services declaring major incidents. In Wennington, east London, a grass fire spread to properties, destroying homes and a local church. Residents described the scene as 'absolute hell', with one firefighter comparing it to a war zone. Home Secretary Priti Patel urged the public to follow safety advice and avoid barbecues or bonfires.
Transport networks were severely disrupted as rail tracks buckled and overhead cables failed. Network Rail advised against travel, and several rail companies warned of ongoing disruption into Wednesday. Power cuts were also reported due to sagging conductors and overheating transformers.
The Met Office issued its first red extreme heat warning, which expired at midnight on Tuesday. However, cooler temperatures and rain are expected to follow. The heatwave also claimed lives, with at least five people dying in water-related incidents over two days, including a teenage boy recovered from the River Thames.
Scotland also set a new record of 34.8C, while Wales recorded 36.2C, its second highest temperature. Met Office scientists attributed the extreme heat to climate change, warning that such temperatures could become a regular occurrence if emissions remain high.
