The rare red warning for extreme heat across parts of the UK has been extended into Friday, as the nation swelters under record-breaking temperatures. The warning, issued by the Met Office, now lasts until 9pm on Friday for London and parts of southeast England, leaving many asking when the heatwave will finally break.
Record-Breaking Temperatures
On Wednesday, the June temperature record, held since the summer of 1976, was smashed as provisional figures showed temperatures reached 36.1C in Gosport, Hampshire. The heat has remained exceptionally warm overnight, making it difficult for people to sleep and recover from the day's heat.
Forecast: When Will It Cool Down?
Today and tomorrow, most of the UK will see sunshine with low clouds and lingering hot, humid air. Beginning Friday, temperatures will drop slightly but remain in the low 30s, before dipping further on Sunday and Monday. The Met Office said: 'Thursday will see the peak of the heat for many, though those further east will retain extreme heat on Friday and Saturday and could continue to see further impacts, which has resulted in Amber warnings. The far southeast will retain the warmth the longest, though there should be a climb-down in figures by Saturday, with peaks around 32C likely.'
Looking ahead, the Met Office's long-range forecast for June 29 to July 8 predicts periods of rain and showers with thunderstorms at times. 'The best of the drier and brighter weather initially will be across the southeast. Then perhaps a drier start to July for many, although the northwest may still see some rain at times, and perhaps accompanied by some strong winds,' they wrote. 'Temperatures remain widely above average, and there remains a chance of some very warm or hot weather returning, mainly across the south.'
Impact on Health and Infrastructure
The heatwave has renewed calls for the UK to better prepare for extreme heat brought by climate change, including cooling for hospitals, schools, and care homes, heat regulations for workplaces, and infrastructure upgrades. The Royal College of Physicians reported that doctors describe severe, unsustainable pressure on the workforce, with very few settings having air conditioning, staff 'really struggling', and resident doctors battling the heat while sleep-deprived. One physician warned 'conditions are awful' due to overcrowding, another said two machines used to treat cancer had stopped amid the heatwave, and there were reports of patients on geriatric wards facing temperatures up to 35C.
Workplace Responses
According to the Chartered Management Institute, almost one in five employers have no measures to help workers cope with the heat. A survey of 1,000 managers found a third said their company had relaxed dress codes, while a quarter offered flexible working hours. Other measures included free refreshments, additional breaks, and reduced workloads.
