- The UK is experiencing a severe heatwave, with a provisional temperature of 36.1C recorded in Gosport, Hampshire, on Wednesday, breaking the previous June record from 1976.
- The Met Office has issued rare red warnings for extreme heat across a wide area, including London, the south coast, Swansea, Somerset, and Birmingham, indicating significant disruption to daily life.
- The exceptional heat is forecast to continue and spread northwards through Thursday and Friday, with the possibility of even higher temperatures that could rank among the hottest days on record.
- The heatwave, caused by a 'heat-dome' over western Europe, has led to widespread health alerts, the closure or partial closure of at least 1,000 schools, and significant transport disruption, with Network Rail advising against non-essential travel.
- In response to increasingly frequent heatwaves, the Mayor of London has launched 'Heat Ready London', the capital's first heat plan, focusing on expanding access to public drinking water and blue spaces.
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