UK Hottest June Day on Record: Temperature Hits 36.4C as Red Warning Issued

The UK has experienced its hottest June day on record after temperatures soared to 36.4C in Yeovilton, Somerset, breaking the previous record of 35.6C set in 1976 and matched in Southampton the same year.

The Met Office has issued a rare red extreme heat warning covering parts of southern and central England and south Wales, warning of population-wide adverse health effects and potential danger to life. An amber warning remains in place across much of England and Wales through the weekend.

Record-Breaking Temperatures

The mercury reached 36.4C at the RNAS Yeovilton base in Somerset on Thursday afternoon, surpassing the previous June record of 35.6C. Wales also recorded its hottest day of the year, with temperatures reaching 34.3C at Cardiff Bute Park.

The extreme heat has triggered widespread disruption, with hundreds of schools closed across England and Wales. Transport networks are under severe pressure, with train operators including South Western Railway, Thameslink, Northern, and Avanti West Coast urging passengers to make only essential journeys.

Health Emergency

The UK Health Security Agency has issued a red heat-health alert, remaining in place until 23:00 on Thursday. Health officials have warned that the heat could cause serious illness or danger to life, particularly among vulnerable groups including the elderly, young children, and those with pre-existing medical conditions.

NHS trusts across the affected regions have declared critical incidents as emergency departments deal with a surge in heat-related admissions. Hospital managers have reported increased cases of heat exhaustion, dehydration, and respiratory difficulties.

Infrastructure Under Strain

Network Rail has advised passengers travelling within or through the red weather warning zone to make only necessary journeys. Speed restrictions have been imposed on many routes to prevent tracks from buckling in the heat.

Transport for London warned passengers that Tube and rail services may face disruption. The London Underground, which can become dangerously hot during extreme weather, has implemented its hot weather action plan with additional ventilation and bottled water stations at key stations.

Schools and Businesses Affected

The Department for Education confirmed that more than 800 schools in England had been disrupted, with many closing early or shutting entirely. Several major attractions, including theme parks and zoos, have closed their doors as a precaution.

Outside Buckingham Palace, the ceremonial guard changes were cancelled for the rest of the week. Organisers of London Climate Action Week were forced to cancel several events scheduled during the heatwave.

Looking Ahead

The Met Office has warned that the heatwave is expected to continue into Friday and Saturday, with temperatures potentially reaching 37C in some areas. A new amber warning has been issued for Saturday covering parts of southern and eastern England.

Experts have pointed to climate change as a key factor in the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme heat events. The Met Office confirmed that the number of days exceeding 30C in the UK has more than trebled compared with the 1961-1990 average.