- The record for the UK’s hottest June day has been broken for the fourth time on Wednesday, with provisional temperatures of 36.1C recorded in being recorded in Gosport, Hampshire, the Met Office said.
- The previous June record of 35.6C, which had stood since 1976 and 1957, was also surpassed in Wisley, Surrey (36C), Wiggonholt, West Sussex (35.8C) and Charlwood, Surrey (35.7C) on Wednesday.
- Temperatures are anticipated to peak at approximately 38C on Thursday and Friday, potentially reaching even higher in some areas, as a 'heat-dome' over western Europe contributes to the extreme conditions, exacerbated by human-driven climate change.
- The heatwave has led to significant disruption, with over 1,000 schools and nurseries in England and Wales either closed or partially closed, alongside transport service interruptions and public health advice urging people to stay indoors and hydrated.
- The Met Office's red warning for extreme heat, which came into effect on Wednesday, has been extended to include the south coast of England until the end of Thursday, with an amber warning issued for much of England on Friday.
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