The UK is experiencing its fourth consecutive day of an extreme heatwave, with a rare red weather warning for extreme heat remaining in place for London, the South East, and South West of England until at least 9pm today. The Met Office has extended the warning as temperatures could reach 39°C in some areas. A new UK record temperature of 36.7°C was recorded in Merryfield, Somerset on Thursday, surpassing the previous June record set the day before. London pavements have been measured at up to 57°C, and the London Ambulance Service reported a record number of life-threatening emergencies on Wednesday, driven by the extreme heat.
Record-breaking temperatures and health impacts
The UK's new provisional June maximum temperature of 36.7°C was recorded in Merryfield, Somerset, making it hotter than Manila in the Philippines or Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Wales also set a new record with 35.9°C in Bute Park, Cardiff. The highest overnight temperature was in Kenley, Surrey, where it did not drop below 24.2°C. Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Greg Wolverson said: 'We've seen a new provisional June maximum temperature record for a second consecutive day as the heatwave continues. This has been unprecedented heat for the month of June and provides further evidence of how high temperature extremes are becoming increasingly common in the UK as a result of human-induced climate change.'
The London Ambulance Service reported a record 642 category one calls on Wednesday, the most serious life-threatening emergencies such as cardiac arrests and patients not breathing. Chief executive Jason Killens stated: 'We have seen the highest number of life-threatening emergencies in our history, driven by the extreme heat across London. Our crews are working very hard in challenging conditions to care for patients.' Across Europe, hundreds have died, including over 200 in Spain and at least three young children in France.
Infrastructure and travel disruption
Travel across the UK is severely affected, with most rail operators advising only essential travel. The Elizabeth line experienced severe delays due to extreme weather damaging infrastructure between Hayes & Harlington and Heathrow Terminals. Passengers are advised to use the Piccadilly line instead. Heathrow Express has a reduced service, with trains departing at 25 and 55 minutes past the hour from Paddington. The London Underground is struggling, with the Central Line particularly affected. Mayor of London Sadiq Khan admitted the capital is not equipped to handle such heat, highlighting issues with homes, transport, and infrastructure.
Greenpeace measured surface temperatures across London, finding Piccadilly Circus and Oxford Circus at 56°C, Regent Street at 57°C, an Overground platform at Highbury and Islington at 62°C, and a roadworks site in Holborn at 65°C. Greenpeace's head of climate Mel Evans said: 'This isn't just weather – it's a public health emergency driven by fossil fuel giants and their planet-heating emissions. These abnormal temperatures are stretching homes, schools, transport and our own health to breaking point.'
Wildfires and emergency incidents
A wildfire on Tintwistle Moor in Derbyshire has been burning for over 24 hours, with six fire engines and helicopters working to contain it. Around 500 square meters of moorland and woodland have been ablaze. The local Fire & Rescue service warned that the ground is tinder dry and urged public responsibility. In London, a fire at Khan's bargains department store on Peckham Rye sent thick black smoke billowing, with the London Fire Brigade advising residents to keep windows and doors closed.
In the Netherlands, a boy drowned after jumping into the Spiegelwaal river, and in Leicestershire, emergency services are searching for a missing teenage boy who entered Meynell Lake. Kent Police made several arrests after fights broke out at beaches in Broadstairs and Margate, including an 18-year-old from London and a 16-year-old from Dartford on suspicion of assault.
Public response and advice
People queued for limited edition air conditioning units at Lidl, priced at £149, but many stores sold out quickly due to high demand. The RSPCA advised pet owners not to place damp towels directly over dogs as it can trap heat; instead, they recommend cooling mats or ice packs wrapped in towels. The Met Office's red warning for heat is the first issued for three consecutive days, with chief meteorologist Andy Page noting that temperatures could exceed 36°C, possibly reaching 37°C in some locations. The heatwave is expected to ease gradually through the weekend.
