The UK is bracing for what could become its hottest June night on record after temperatures climbed to 36.7°C on Thursday, marking the hottest day of 2026 and setting a new provisional June temperature record.
According to the Met Office, the highest temperature was recorded at Merryfield in Somerset, surpassing the previous June record of 36.1°C set just a day earlier in Gosport, Hampshire. The unprecedented heat has prompted authorities to extend a rare red extreme heat warning for a third consecutive day, affecting millions of people across London and south-east England until Friday evening.
The heatwave has already disrupted daily life across the country, forcing more than 2,400 schools in England and Wales to close, causing train delays and prompting a temporary hosepipe ban for around 850,000 residents in Kent due to soaring water demand.
Forecasters say overnight temperatures may remain above 22°C in parts of England and Wales, with some areas potentially not dropping below 23°C, raising the possibility of another record-breaking June night.
All four UK nations recorded their highest temperatures of the year on Thursday. Wales registered its hottest June day on record with 35.6°C in Cardiff, Scotland reached 31.2°C in Dumfries and Galloway, while Northern Ireland recorded 30°C in County Tyrone.
Meteorologists say the extreme conditions are being driven by a powerful “heat dome” over western Europe, trapping hot air across the region. Climate scientists warn that climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of such extreme weather events.
Health officials have warned of serious risks, particularly for vulnerable people. At least six NHS trusts have declared critical incidents as hospitals face increased pressure from heat-related emergencies and disruptions to medical equipment and IT systems.
London Ambulance Service reported its busiest day ever for life-threatening emergency calls, attributing the surge to the extreme temperatures.
Authorities have also warned of transport disruptions and urged people to avoid unnecessary travel within areas covered by the red and amber weather warnings. National Rail advised passengers to travel only if essential as high temperatures continue to affect infrastructure.
The heatwave has also turned deadly. South Wales Police confirmed that a 50-year-old man died after entering the water at Aberavon Beach, although officers said his death is not being treated as suspicious.
Temperatures are expected to remain dangerously high on Friday, with some parts of southern England forecast to reach between 37°C and 38°C before cooler conditions gradually begin moving in from the west.
Thunderstorm warnings have also been issued for parts of Scotland, Northern Ireland, England and Wales, with forecasters warning that isolated but severe storms could develop as the heatwave begins to break.
