The UK's June temperature record was shattered for the fourth time on Wednesday, with a provisional reading of 36.1°C in Gosport, Hampshire, the Met Office confirmed. This surpasses the previous record of 35.6°C set in 1976 and 1957.
Earlier in the day, provisional temperatures reached 35.7°C in Charlwood, Surrey; 35.8°C at Wiggonholt, West Sussex; and 36°C in Wisley, Surrey. The figures remain provisional and will be verified after the heatwave ends.
Heat Dome Drives Extreme Conditions
The heatwave, which has prompted a rare red warning for extreme heat from the Met Office, is caused by a 'heat dome' settling over western Europe. This has brought exceptionally hot and humid conditions across much of England and Wales, leading to health warnings, school closures, and transport disruption.
Met Office science manager Amy Doherty stated: 'If confirmed, a new June daily temperature record would be significant, especially following on the heels of the recent records set in May. The new record provides further evidence that temperatures previously considered extreme are becoming increasingly common as a result of human-induced climate change.'
Health Alerts and School Closures
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued red heat health alerts for the East of England, East Midlands, London, South East, South West, and West Midlands, effective from 4pm Wednesday to 11pm Friday. Amber alerts cover the North East, North West, and Yorkshire and The Humber. These indicate that 'adverse temperatures are likely to impact on the health and wellbeing of the population.'
At least 1,000 schools and nurseries in England and Wales will be closed or partially closed over the next two days. In Somerset, over 200 schools are shut or operating limited hours. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson urged parents to send children to school if open, stating: 'I know hot weather can be a struggle. But my message to families is simple: if your child's school is open, you should keep sending them into school.'
Transport Disruption and Nighttime Heat
Transport bosses have advised against travel on Wednesday and Thursday, warning of disrupted journeys. Rail services have been affected, and travel into central London has declined as workers stay home. Nighttime temperatures have remained above 20°C in many areas, with Brize Norton, Oxfordshire, not falling below 22.3°C and Heathrow, London, not below 22.1°C. These 'tropical nights' hinder sleep and recovery, experts warn.
Climate Change Connection
Professor Stephen Belcher, Met Office chief scientist, commented: 'Human induced climate change has made events like this more likely and more intense. To see temperatures like this in the UK in June is sobering. Events like this bring home the implications of climate change, with very high temperatures and humidity bringing significant health implications from heat stress, as well as impacts to a range of sectors such as transport, energy and water supply.'
Temperatures could rise further on Thursday, potentially reaching 39°C, which would be the second hottest day in UK records and the hottest June day. Even 38°C would rank among the top five hottest days and exceed any 20th-century temperature.
Search for Missing Teen
In Hampshire, police marine units joined emergency services searching for a 15-year-old boy reported missing after swimming at Testwood Lakes, near Totton, Southampton, at 1:35pm Wednesday. A Hampshire Constabulary spokesman said: 'We have deployed the marine units to aid in the search, alongside colleagues from NPAS, South Central Ambulance Service, and Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire Service.'
