The UK is bracing for potentially record-breaking heat on Wednesday, with temperatures forecast to reach 40°C in parts of the country. The Met Office's rare red 'extreme heat' warning comes into effect at 9am on Wednesday (June 24) and lasts until 9pm on Thursday (June 25). The warning covers a large area stretching from London to Swansea and Somerset to Birmingham.
Potential to Break Records
Forecasters warn that temperatures could come close to the UK's all-time high of 40.3°C recorded in July 2022. It is also expected to surpass the record for June of 35.6°C set in Hampshire in 1976. The extreme conditions are caused by a 'heat-dome' settling over western Europe, bringing a combination of extreme heat and humidity that could impact public health, infrastructure, power, and water supplies, the Met Office said.
Health Alerts in Place
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued red heat-health alerts for the East of England, East Midlands, London, the South East, the South West, and the West Midlands. Amber alerts are in place for the North East, North West, and Yorkshire and The Humber. These alerts are active from 1am on Wednesday to 11pm on Thursday and indicate an 'increased risk to life across the whole population,' increasing demand on health and social care services.
Schools Closed
More than 250 schools were forced to close on Tuesday (June 23) to protect pupils from the heat. Hundreds of schools have already confirmed closures for Wednesday as even higher temperatures are forecast.
