Summary
- Britain recorded its hottest June day on Friday as temperatures reached 36.9 degrees Celsius in Suffolk, breaking the record for the third consecutive day amid a severe heatwave.
- Forecasters expect temperatures in London to climb as high as 39 to 40 degrees Celsius early next week.
- The UK heatwave follows deadly conditions in France, where three elderly people died earlier this week and schools were forced to close as temperatures exceeded 42 degrees Celsius.
Britain recorded its hottest June day on Friday as temperatures reached 36.9 degrees Celsius in Suffolk, breaking the record for the third consecutive day amid a severe heatwave.
The Meteorological Office said the heatwave, spreading north from western Europe, has triggered a rare red alert warning with an official “danger to life” designation. Forecasters expect temperatures in London to climb as high as 39 to 40 degrees Celsius early next week.
The previous June record of 35.6 degrees Celsius was set in 1957 and matched in 1976. Britain’s all-time high remains 40.3 degrees Celsius, recorded in July 2022.
The extreme heat has disrupted schools, hospitals and transport networks across England and Wales. Authorities have advised people to stay home, avoid unnecessary travel and keep hydrated.
The UK heatwave follows deadly conditions in France, where three elderly people died earlier this week and schools were forced to close as temperatures exceeded 42 degrees Celsius. Northern Spain has also issued heat alerts.
The record-breaking temperatures highlight the growing impact of climate extremes across Europe, with forecasters warning that the current heat dome could push conditions well beyond seasonal norms.
