The mercury hit 36.0C in Wisley, Surrey on Wednesday afternoon, shattering the UK's June temperature record – the previous high of 35.6C, set in 1957 and equalled in 1976, now beaten. But the heat is far from over: a rare red warning for extreme heat remains in effect until 11.59pm on Thursday, covering an area from London and the south coast to Swansea, Somerset and Birmingham. It is only the second time the Met Office has issued such a warning, and the first for Wales.
More than 1,200 schools and nurseries across England and Wales have shut fully or partially for Thursday, with many extending closures into Friday. Parents have been left scrambling after some schools asked for children to be collected at lunchtime. The Met Office warned that “significant disruption to daily life is likely” as temperatures could climb even higher, while high humidity makes conditions feel like the low 40s Celsius.
“UK hits record June temperature of 36.0C as red warning forces over 1,200 school closures.”
As the nation swelters, GP Dr Robert White – a dermatology specialist and joint clinical lead for the NHS East Kent Community Dermatology Service – has issued advice on preventing and treating chafing and heat rash, common complaints in such conditions. He recommends keeping affected areas clean and dry, and applying barrier creams such as Sudocrem, Vaseline or Cicaplast, or natural anti-inflammatories like aloe vera. For more severe cases, a short course of mild topical steroid cream may help. He also advises loose, breathable clothing and lubricants before exercise.
Even the King felt the heat: at a London Climate Action Week reception, a senior aide kept an electric fan close to Charles as he met guests, according to reports. The red warning remains in place until midnight, with an amber warning covering a wider area of England for Friday, and another focused on the east and south-east for Saturday. Overnight temperatures may not fall below 21-23C in parts, potentially setting a record for the warmest June night.