The UK's highest maximum temperature record for June was broken for the third consecutive day on Friday, as the country endured an unprecedented heatwave. Provisional data showed a temperature of 37.1C in Cavendish, Suffolk, surpassing earlier peaks of 36.9C in Wattisham, Suffolk, and 36.7C in Merryfield, Somerset, on Thursday.
Government Urged to Act on Extreme Heat
Ministers faced mounting pressure to protect the population from the intensifying effects of climate change. Toby Perkins, chair of parliament's environmental audit committee, warned that the government's plans fall "far short of what is needed." He said a significant number of deaths were likely, echoing past heatwaves that have killed thousands.
Perkins demanded answers from Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds on tackling overheating in buildings, establishing maximum workplace temperatures, prescribing air conditioning for vulnerable people, and changing school timetables. He also highlighted the "devastating" impact on hospitals, care homes, schools, transport, water, food, and IT systems.
Climate Experts Warn of Inadequate Preparedness
The Climate Change Committee has warned for over a decade that the UK's adaptation plans are insufficient. It estimates that 92% of existing homes will overheat within 20 years. In May, the CCC stated the UK was "built for a climate that no longer exists" and requires urgent changes to survive global heating.
Emma Howard Boyd, chair of the National Heat Risk Commission, said: "This week's extreme temperatures risk losses to the economy of hundreds of millions of pounds due to lower productivity and infrastructure failures. More concerningly, it will cause the deaths of hundreds of people across the country. This is not normal." She called for greater resilience to extreme heat events.
Schools Closed and Hospitals Strained
More than a thousand schools closed due to the heatwave. Analysis by Global Witness found that average temperatures at 3pm on Tuesday reached nearly 33C in London and over 31C in several regions. Over 1,200 schools were in areas where outdoor temperatures exceeded 34C.
Flossie Boyd of Global Witness said: "It's frightening to think of teachers and pupils trying to work and learn in swelteringly hot classrooms. This heatwave is a reminder of why we need climate adaptation now – to cool down our schools, and keep children safe." She called for investment in climate-friendly cooling measures and taxing fossil fuel polluters.
Hospitals in England declared critical incidents as medical equipment and IT failed in the heat, and staff worked on sweltering wards. The heatwave caused a surge in admissions and severe overcrowding in A&E departments.
Government Response
Climate Minister Katie White told MPs: "If anyone still thinks that climate change is a problem for tomorrow, they should step outside today. We are upgrading transport, upgrading industry and upgrading infrastructure that in many cases was designed for a different century and a different economy."
A government spokesperson said: "We are working across government to carefully consider the Climate Change Committee's latest recommendations in relation to climate adaptation." The spokesperson noted actions including investing in clean power, designing new homes to minimize unwanted heat, and launching an adaptation advice service for local authorities.
Perkins stressed: "It is imperative that the next iteration – due in 2028 – truly is a step change if we are to avoid the worst of the impacts from a changing climate."
