Extreme Heat Warning Issued Across UK
A rare red warning for extreme heat is currently in effect for parts of the UK on Wednesday as temperatures are forecast to reach unprecedented levels.
Temperatures are expected to rise to approximately 37 or 38°C in southern England, with a peak of 39°C possible as the heatwave continues into Thursday.
In anticipation of the intense heat, the Met Office extended its red warning further south toward England's south coast. The warning remains active across parts of southern England, the Midlands, and south Wales until 11:59 pm on Thursday.
Additionally, an amber warning for extreme heat covers a broader area of England throughout Friday, with another amber warning focused on the east and south-east of England on Saturday.
The existing record for the UK's highest June temperature, 35.6°C set in 1976, is expected to be surpassed. However, maximum temperatures are still anticipated to fall just short of the UK's all-time high of 40.3°C, recorded in 2022.
The combination of heat and humidity may also lead to stormy conditions. The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for thunderstorms in south-west England, effective from 6 pm to 11:59 pm on Thursday.
While most areas in the south-west are likely to avoid the worst of the storms, localized disruptions could occur.
Red Warning Extended and School Closures
This marks the first occasion Wales has been placed under a red warning for extreme heat, and only the second time the Met Office has issued such a warning anywhere in the UK.
Although the highest temperatures are forecast in regions under the red warning, the remainder of England and most of Wales will still experience temperatures in the low to mid-30s Celsius.
High humidity levels will exacerbate discomfort, with "feels like" temperatures significantly exceeding actual readings, reaching into the low 40s Celsius in some locations.
More than 1,000 schools have either closed or are closing early in southern England due to the extended extreme heat warning.
'Tropical Nights' Expected with Elevated Overnight Temperatures
Overnight temperatures are also projected to remain high throughout the week, with many locations not cooling below 20°C, resulting in what are known as tropical nights.
It is probable that the warmest June night on record will occur on either Wednesday or Thursday night, as minimum temperatures across Wales, the Midlands, and south-east England are not expected to drop below 21 to 23°C.
Some areas may exceed the current UK and England record minimum temperature of 22.7°C, set in 1979. The recent Wales record of 20.3°C, established on Monday night, may also be surpassed.
