Record-Breaking Heat Across Southern England
The UK has experienced its hottest June day on record for the fourth time this week, with provisional temperatures reaching 36.1C in Gosport, Hampshire, according to the Met Office. This surpasses the previous record of 35.6C set in 1976 and 1957. Earlier on Wednesday, temperatures hit 35.7C in Charlwood, Surrey, 35.8C at Wiggonholt, West Sussex, and 36C in Wisley, Surrey.
The heatwave, driven by a "heat-dome" settling over western Europe, has prompted a rare red warning for extreme heat from the Met Office, covering areas from London and the south coast to Swansea, Somerset, and Birmingham. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued red heat health alerts for several regions, warning of adverse impacts on health and wellbeing.
Climate Change Driving More Intense Heatwaves
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."
Met Office chief scientist Professor Stephen Belcher added: "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."
Temperatures could rise even higher on Thursday, potentially reaching 39C, which would make it the second hottest day in the UK on record and the hottest June day. Even 38C would rank among the top five hottest days ever recorded and surpass any day of the 20th century.
Widespread Disruptions and Health Warnings
At least 1,000 schools and nurseries in England and Wales have closed or partially closed over the next two days. Some schools have introduced early finishing times or relaxed uniform rules. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson urged parents to send children to school if they remain 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 services have been disrupted, with rail lines affected and travel into central London down on last week as workers heeded advice to stay home. The Met Office has issued an amber warning for heat on Friday covering much of England, and a yellow warning for thunderstorms in the South West on Thursday evening. An amber warning for extreme heat is also in place for parts of east and south-east England on Saturday.
Nighttime temperatures have remained unusually high, staying above 20C in many places, with Brize Norton in Oxfordshire not dipping below 22.3C and Heathrow, west London, not dipping below 22.1C. These "tropical nights" make it hard to sleep and recover from the heat.
Search for Missing Teenager
In Hampshire, Testwood Lakes near Totton, Southampton, has been closed to the public as police marine units join other emergency services in searching for a 15-year-old boy reported missing after last being seen swimming at 1.35pm on 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."
