The Met Office has confirmed that Thursday was the UK's hottest June day on record, with a provisional temperature of 36.4C recorded in Yeovilton, Somerset. This surpasses the previous high of 36.1C set on Wednesday in Gosport, Hampshire, marking back-to-back days of extreme heat.
Record-Breaking Temperatures Across the UK
The heatwave has swept across Britain, with temperatures soaring well above the June average. The Met Office noted that these provisional figures could be adjusted after verification, but they already represent the highest June temperatures ever recorded in the UK.
According to the Met Office, the previous June record stood at 35.6C, set in 1957. The new records on Wednesday and Thursday have significantly exceeded that mark, highlighting the intensity of the current heatwave.
Impact on Public Health and Infrastructure
The extreme heat has prompted health warnings, with the UK Health Security Agency issuing a Level 3 heat-health alert for parts of England. Officials advise people to stay hydrated, avoid direct sun during peak hours, and check on vulnerable individuals.
Transport networks have also been affected, with some train services experiencing speed restrictions due to the risk of tracks buckling. The Met Office urged travelers to check for updates before journeying.
Forecast and Outlook
While the heatwave is expected to continue into the weekend, temperatures may begin to ease slightly from Sunday. The Met Office predicts that cooler, more unsettled weather could arrive early next week, bringing a sharp contrast to the current conditions.
Meteorologists attribute the prolonged heat to a high-pressure system drawing warm air from southern Europe. Climate experts have linked such extreme events to broader global warming trends.
