The United Kingdom has experienced its hottest June day on record, with temperatures reaching 35.7 degrees Celsius in Charlwood, Surrey, according to provisional data reported by the BBC. This surpasses the previous June record of 35.6°C set in Camden Square, London in 1957 and matched in Southampton in 1976. The all-time UK temperature record remains 40.3°C, recorded on 19 July 2022 in Coningsby, Lincolnshire.
Met Office issues rare red warning
The Met Office has issued a rare red extreme heat warning effective from 9am on Wednesday until 9pm on Thursday. Additional amber warnings are in place for Friday and Saturday. The heatwave, described as 'exceptional' for June by Met Office chief forecaster Matthew Lehnert, is exacerbated by high humidity, making the heat feel more intense.
Schools, hospitals, care homes, and workplaces across the UK are struggling to cope with the sweltering conditions. Measures include trains operating at reduced speeds, hospitals cancelling appointments, schools closing early or entirely, and hosepipe bans being implemented.
Climate breakdown amplifies heat
Heatwaves kill tens of thousands of people across Europe annually, and the most extreme temperatures have become hotter, longer, and more frequent due to global warming. A rapid analysis by ClimaMeter published on Monday suggests that climate breakdown has increased temperatures by 2°C to 4°C during this event.
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director general of the World Health Organization, stated on Wednesday that Europe's heatwave is 'putting lives at risk.' He urged world leaders to invest in resilient health systems and accelerate climate action. 'The data are clear: temperatures across Europe are rising at roughly twice the global average rate, increasing the likelihood and severity of extreme heat in the future. We cannot afford further delay,' he said.
France and Spain also hit by extreme heat
France recorded its hottest night on record on Monday, followed by its hottest day on Tuesday, according to Météo-France. The country also reported 40 drowning deaths as people sought relief in water. In Spain, one in eight weather stations recorded temperatures above 40°C on Monday. Central Europe is experiencing slightly cooler conditions, but Germany is expected to reach 40°C over the weekend.
Advice for vulnerable groups
Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, emphasized the seriousness of the red warning. 'Red extreme heat weather warnings are rare so when the Met Office issues one we need to take it seriously, especially if you are an older person living with underlying health conditions like heart or lung problems that increase your risk of heat-related harm,' she said.
She urged older people to take precautions such as staying in the shade, drinking plenty of water, and avoiding outdoor activities between 11am and 3pm. Keeping homes cool by closing curtains and windows during the day and opening them at night is also recommended. Abrahams called on the public to check on older neighbors during the heatwave.
