The United Kingdom is experiencing a historic heatwave, with temperatures forecast to reach 38°C on Thursday, June 25, 2026, potentially shattering the 50-year-old June temperature record of 35.6°C set in 1976. The extreme heat, driven by a heat dome over western Europe, has already broken the June record four times on Wednesday, according to the Met Office.
Record-breaking temperatures across the UK
On Wednesday, the highest temperature recorded was 36.1°C in Gosport, Hampshire, following earlier readings of 36°C in Gosport and Wisley, Surrey, 35.8°C in Wiggonholt, West Sussex, and 35.7°C in Charlwood, Surrey, as reported by The Independent. These provisional figures will be verified by the Met Office after the heatwave ends.
The Met Office issued a rare red warning for extreme heat, the highest level, as scorching and humid conditions spread across much of the UK. Amber warnings remain in place for parts of England through Saturday.
Impacts on health, schools, and transport
The heatwave has triggered health warnings, school closures, and transportation disruptions. People are urged to stay indoors, close windows and curtains, and stay hydrated. Some schools have closed or partially closed, and transport services have been affected. Heavy showers and thunderstorms could develop in southwest England on Thursday, bringing gusty winds, intense rainfall, and localized flash flooding, according to the BBC.
Temperatures on Thursday could reach 37-38°C in central southern England, while Scotland and Northern Ireland will see 25-30°C, and northern Scotland will be cooler at 15-20°C. The heat is expected to ease from Friday as wind direction changes, returning to near-average levels next week.
Climate change link
Experts warn that the breaking of a 50-year-old temperature record is a stark illustration of climate change fueled by fossil fuel burning, which leads to more frequent and intense heatwaves. Met Office science manager Amy Doherty told The Independent: “If confirmed, a new June daily temperature record would be significant, especially following on the heels of the recent records set in May. The new record provides further evidence that temperatures previously considered extreme are becoming increasingly common as a result of human-induced climate change.”
Met Office chief scientist Stephen Belcher added: “Human-induced climate change has made events like this more likely and more intense. To see temperatures like this in the UK in June is sobering. Events like this bring home the implications of climate change, with very high temperatures and humidity bringing significant health implications from heat stress, as well as impacts to a range of sectors such as transport, energy and water supply.”
Calls for government action
The heatwave has prompted calls for the government to take more action to protect the UK from extreme heat, including measures to cool hospitals, schools, and care homes. The Met Office noted that the frequency and intensity of heatwaves have increased globally due to climate change.
