UK Approaches Warmest June Night on Record
The United Kingdom is anticipated to experience its warmest June night ever, according to forecasters, following the country's highest temperature of the year recorded on Thursday afternoon, reaching 36.7C (98.1F).
This peak temperature was documented at Merryfield, Somerset, based on provisional data from the Met Office, marking it as the hottest June day on record.
A rare red warning for extreme heat, indicating a danger to life, remains in effect until midnight on Thursday across southern, central, and western England, as well as parts of Wales.
For the first time, this red warning has been extended for a third consecutive day, affecting millions in London and areas of south-eastern England until 21:00 on Friday.
During the ongoing heatwave, several schools have closed, a hosepipe ban has been implemented for residents in Kent, and transport services have experienced disruptions.
Record Warm Night and Weather Forecast
On Wednesday night, the UK recorded its warmest June night on record, according to provisional figures, resulting in challenging sleeping conditions for many.
In Cardiff, overnight temperatures did not fall below 23.5C, surpassing the previous record of 22.7C set in 1976.
This record is expected to be surpassed again on Thursday night as temperatures continue to rise.
Later this evening, heavy rain is forecasted across Scotland, moving southeastwards, accompanied by thundery showers developing in the southwest and moving inland.
People flocked to Brighton Beach to swim in the sea
All UK Nations Record Highest Temperatures of the Year
All four nations of the UK recorded their highest temperatures of the year on Thursday.
Merryfield’s 36.7C exceeded England’s previous high of 36.1C recorded in Gosport, Hampshire, on Wednesday, which had already broken the longstanding June record set in 1976 and 1957.
Wales recorded its highest temperature of the year and hottest June day ever with a provisional 35.6C in Bute Park, Cardiff. The prior record for Wales in June was 33.7C, set in 2000.
Scotland reached its highest temperature of the year at Threave, Dumfries and Galloway, with 31.2C.
Northern Ireland recorded its highest temperature this year at 30.0C in Castlederg, County Tyrone.
Heat Warning Details and Health Impacts
Within the red extreme heat warning zone, temperatures could surpass 36C or 37C in some locations on Thursday, with very high humidity levels.
The Met Office advised that the population should anticipate widespread adverse health effects, including
"leading to serious illness or danger to life", significant alterations to work practices and daily routines, a high risk of failure in heat-sensitive systems causing power outages, and transport delays.
A broader amber warning is also in place across Wales, southern England, the Midlands, and parts of northern England, with temperatures expected to exceed 30C as far north as Manchester.
Additionally, a separate amber warning for extreme heat, effective from midnight Friday until 23:59, covers south-east England, eastern England, and parts of the Midlands.
Healthcare and Emergency Services Response
At least six NHS trusts in England have declared critical incidents due to the heatwave, sources informed the BBC.
The extreme heat has reportedly caused issues with IT systems, cancer treatment equipment, laboratory testing, and scanners.
The London Ambulance Service reported its highest ever number of life-threatening emergencies, attributing the increase to
"the extreme heat"across the capital.
Fatal Incident in Wales
In Wales, a 50-year-old man died after entering the water at a Welsh beach on Wednesday, South Wales Police announced on Thursday.
The police were called to Aberavon beach at approximately 16:25 following reports of a man requiring medical assistance in the water. The death is not being treated as suspicious.
Travel Advisories and School Closures
National Rail has advised the public to travel only if absolutely necessary on Thursday and Friday for journeys originating from or within the red or amber weather warning zones.
More than 2,400 schools in England and Wales have closed due to the heatwave. Sir Keir Starmer stated that schools must independently determine the appropriate measures to take.
Water Restrictions and Ongoing Weather Outlook
South East Water announced a temporary hosepipe ban affecting approximately 850,000 residents in Kent, citing
"high temperatures and record demand for water"as reasons for the restriction.
The heatwave is expected to persist until the end of the week. Friday's forecast includes thundery rain in parts of northern Scotland, with sunny spells elsewhere and early thundery showers clearing. However, scattered thundery showers are likely to redevelop in the north and east.
Cause of Heatwave and Climate Context
The heatwave is driven by a "heat dome"—a high-pressure system that stalls over a region, trapping heat—settling over western Europe and producing extreme conditions across the continent.
Scientists have warned that hotter temperatures are likely in the coming years. The Met Office reports that between 2015 and 2024, the number of days exceeding 30C in the UK has more than tripled compared to the 1961-1990 average.
