The UK is in the grip of a record-breaking heatwave, with June temperatures hitting 36.7C in Somerset — the hottest June day ever recorded. It’s the second time the record has been broken in a week, after 36.1C in Hampshire on Wednesday. A rare red weather warning has been extended until Friday evening, covering parts of southern England, and the Met Office warns temperatures could reach nearly 40C. Hundreds of schools have closed early, train services are disrupted, and health officials have urged caution as the country struggles to cope.
A heatwave is defined by the Met Office as a period of at least three consecutive days when daily maximum temperatures meet or exceed a specific threshold — for most of England that’s 28C, and 25C for Scotland. This week’s heatwave is exceptional because it has triggered the first red warning (for danger to life) to be in place for three days in a row. The heat is driven by a “heat-dome” settling over western Europe, trapping hot air. The previous June record was set in 1976 (35.6C) and 1957 (33.9C for Scotland). Wales also recorded its hottest June day at 35.6C in Cardiff.
“Explains the UK heatwave, its record-breaking temperatures, impacts, and how to cope.”
For UK readers, the practical impacts are immediate and serious. The NHS and ambulance services have declared critical incidents in some areas, with more than 10 people taken to hospital with heat-related illnesses after waiting hours in the sun. Pharmacists warn that medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy become ineffective above 30C and should be stored in a cool bag or fridge (but not frozen). Hosepipe bans have been announced in Kent by South East Water. Schools have closed, train services have been delayed or cancelled (11% cancelled on some days), and non-essential travel is discouraged. The UK’s most vulnerable — children and the elderly — are at highest risk of heatstroke and dehydration. Even healthy adults should be “very cautious,” says the UK Health Security Agency.
Q: How can I keep my medication safe during a heatwave? Many medications, including weight-loss jabs like Mounjaro and Wegovy, become ineffective above 30C or if frozen. Store pens in a cool bag with ice packs or in the fridge, but check your fridge temperature isn’t too low to avoid freezing. Keep all medicines away from direct sunlight.
Q: Why are schools closing during the heatwave? Hundreds of schools have chosen to close early because of the extreme temperatures. Red weather warnings indicate a danger to life, and many schools lack adequate cooling systems. Some pupils were given ice lollies during lessons to keep cool, as seen in a school in Essex.
Q: When will the heatwave end? The red warning is in place until 21:00 on Friday. Later in the evening, yellow thunderstorm warnings come into force for some areas, which could bring relief. However, climatologists predict these high summer temperatures will become more normal over the coming decades.
What happens next depends on how long the heat-dome persists. The Met Office will update warnings, and transport operators will adjust services. The government has held COBR meetings to coordinate the response. In the longer term, the UK is expected to face more frequent and intense heatwaves due to climate change, meaning preparations for extreme heat will need to become a routine part of summer life.