The record for the hottest June day has been broken for the third day in a row, as temperatures of 37.3C have been recorded in Santon Downham, in Suffolk.
It beats Thursday’s hottest temperature of 36.7C recorded in Merryfield, Somerset.
It comes after a rare red warning for extreme heat finally came to an end on Friday night across London, south east England and the east of England.
An amber warning for extreme heat remains in place across London, the east and south-east England, the Midlands, Yorkshire and the North West tonight as the Met Office warned of “exceptionally warm temperatures” into the night.
London and the entire east of England, from the Midlands to the South East, will be under an amber warning for extreme heat on Saturday until 9pm with peaks of 31C in the capital.
Scotland remains under a yellow warning for thunderstorms until 3am with a risk of flash flooding and power cuts, the forecaster warned.
The devastating impact of the heatwave has been felt keenly by hospitals, as a fifth trust declared a critical incident today. The Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital said the extreme heat and humidity are affecting its ability to deliver services.
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Key Points
- Rare red weather warning ends across parts of England
- New June temperature record broken at 37.3C
- Body found in search for teenage boy following reports he entered a lake
- 'Elderly care wards way over 30C'
Watch: Met Office warns of thunder in weekend weather forecast
01:00 , Bryony GoochMapped: What weather warnings are in place on Saturday?
00:00 , Bryony Gooch
Why leaving a dog in a hot car for one minute is too long – and what to do if you spot one
23:00 , Bryony Gooch
What to do if you see a distressed dog in a car during a heatwave
Storm warning ends in Northern Ireland
22:00 , Bryony GoochYellow weather warnings for thunderstorms have come to an end in Northern Ireland, according to the Met Office.
The warnings were in place from 10am til 10pm on Friday as the forecaster warned that “scattered thunderstorms may cause disruption in places today.”
The forecaster warned that power cuts, flooding and travel delays could all occur due to the stormy weather.
Rare red weather warning ends across parts of England
21:40 , Bryony GoochThe rare red weather warning has come to an end across London, the east and south east of England.
The rare Met Office warning stated: “The exceptional spell of hot and humid weather will continue across this region, with impacts to the general population highly likely.”
Temperatures soared to record highs of 37.3C in Santon Downham, Suffolk, surpassing the high of 36.7C recorded in Merryfield, Somerset, on Thursday.
Thunderstorm warnings come to an end in the north of England
21:31 , Bryony GoochYellow weather warnings for thunderstorms have come to an end in the north east and west of England, as well as Yorkshire and Humber, according to the Met Office.
The forecaster put the warning in place from 2pm til 9pm on Friday with concerns of flooding and lighting in parts of the country.
The weather warnings remain in place across Northern Ireland and Scotland.
England provisionally set highest minimum temperature record for June
21:00 , Bryony GoochEngland has provisionally set a highest minimum temperature record for June on Thursday night, with 23.0C in Plymouth.
In pictures: Brits enjoy the heatwave in Hampstead
20:30 , Bryony Gooch
Emergency callouts surge as NHS feels the heat from extreme temperatures
20:00 , Maryam Zakir-HussainHealth chiefs are warning of the impact the heatwave is having on services as they face significantly more life-threatening emergency calls with record-breaking temperatures continuing to scorch the country.
Several hospitals have declared critical incidents, with University Hospital Southampton being forced to cancel a number of planned operations and some outpatient appointments.
Emergency callouts surge as NHS feels the heat from extreme temperatures
'Elderly care wards way over 30C'
19:40 , Maryam Zakir-HussainDr Hilary Williams, clinical vice-president of the Royal College of Physicians, told Today the intense heat exposes how poor the infrastructure of the health service is.
“When you go round hospitals, very, very few hospitals are new,” she said. “We’ve kind of bolted things in car parks, we’ve added an extra wing on here, we’ve changed a corridor into a ward, and those places just aren’t coping with the demands of extreme heat.
“The patients are far too hot. We’re hearing reports of elderly care wards way over 30C.”
Dr Williams also said some critical machinery, such as MRI scanners and linear accelerators that treat cancer, have gone down due to the heat.
‘Don’t let the celebration become a medical emergency’: England fans warned ahead of World Cup game in heatwave
19:20 , Maryam Zakir-HussainHealth chiefs have issued stark warnings to England fans as the country is set to swelter through extreme heat ahead of the World Cup game on Saturday.
Thomas Tuchel’s men will take on Panama in New Jersey as they hope to secure their place in the round of 36 in style.
But with the fixture not kicking-off until 10pm, doctors have warned fans could risk dehydration, fainting, and even heatstroke after drinking all day in the scorching sunshine.
England fans warned by health chiefs ahead of World Cup game in heatwave
Sentencing for firearms conspiracy adjourned because dock 'too hot'
19:00 , Maryam Zakir-HussainThe sentencing of six people for a firearms conspiracy could not go ahead on Friday because the dock was too hot.
The defendants, who included one of Pc Sharon Beshenivsky’s killers Faizal Razzaq, were due to learn their fates at newly refurbished Harrow Crown Court.
But the hearing had to be postponed because the temperature could not be brought down enough for them to sit in the dock.
Security staff said they could not put a fan in the dock, and the hearing could not start until the temperature dropped below 26C.
The building, which reopened this year, after a £26 million safety overhaul, has air conditioning but this was not sufficient to cool the dock.
Judge Hannah Kinch said: “The temperature will need to be monitored and if it goes above 26C the defendants will have to be taken down again.
“I don’t see how we can have a hearing while we are stopping and starting.
“I also think it would be deeply unfair to have defendants who are facing serious sentences kept in difficult conditions in the dock.”
At midday the judge confirmed the hearing could not go ahead as the dock had not cooled down. It was adjourned until October.
Heatwave to ease over the weekend
18:45 , Bryony GoochLooking ahead to the weekend forecast, the heatwave is set to ease.
Met Office chief forecaster Andy Page said: “The UK is seeing a gradual shift in conditions over the weekend, with those to the southeast of England retaining the warmth the longest, where an amber extreme heat warning remains in force through much of Saturday, though peaks are more likely to be in the low thirties Celsius.”
Western parts of Scotland and much of Northern Ireland will see rain for a time on Saturday, with showers likely spreading further south in places on Sunday, though these will be fairly light in nature.
Those to the south east could remain dry through the weekend, although there is a risk of thunderstorms here before temperatures return more towards average later on Sunday and into Monday.
This week's heatwave would have been impossible 50 years ago, scientists warn
18:30 , Maryam Zakir-HussainScientists warned on Friday that this current heatwave would have been virtually impossible 50 years ago, with human-driven climate change fuelling more intense and frequent extreme heat events.
Health chiefs warned of the impact the conditions are having on services this week as they face significantly more life-threatening emergency calls.
Rare red warnings remain in place on Friday with forecasters expecting temperatures to reach as high as 36C in London and 35C in Manchester on Friday, with Belfast and Cardiff looking at potential highs of 26C.
Northern Ireland provisionally equals warmest June day on record
18:15 , Bryony GoochNorthern Ireland provisionally equalled its warmest June day on record with 30.8C at Castlederg on Thursday, putting it level with the peak figure on 30 June 1976.
Northern Ireland also provisionally broken its highest minimum temperature record overnight Thursday into Friday, with 19.1C the figure reached at Murlough.
Heatwave commute: Tube passengers swelter in 40°C conditions
18:00 , Maryam Zakir-HussainNew temperature record set in Wales this week
17:44 , Bryony GoochThis week has also seen Wales set a new daily maximum temperature record for June, with 35.9C at Bute Park, Cardiff, set on Thursday.
The same station set the night-time highest minimum temperature record for the UK and for Wales, with 23.5C reported overnight from Wednesday into Friday.
Why leaving a dog in a hot car for one minute is too long – and what to do if you spot one
17:30 , Maryam Zakir-HussainAnimal welfare experts have issued advice on what to do if you see a distressed animal stuck in a car during this week’s scorching temperatures.
Animal welfare experts have made a plea to dog owners not to leave their pets inside hot vehicles during the heatwave, saying cars can be a “death trap” for canines.
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) said anyone who sees a distressed dog in a car should call the police to report it.
What to do if you see a distressed dog in a car during a heatwave
UK heatwave mapped: Where is going to be hottest this weekend as temperatures could hit 31C
16:56 , Maryam Zakir-HussainThe UK heatwave is set to continue into the weekend with temperatures peaking at 31C in some parts of the country.
An amber extreme heat weather warning will remain in place for many after the end of a rare red weather warning around London and the home counties, issued by health chiefs and forecasters as temperatures hit a peak of 37.93C on Friday.
Hot and humid weather will continue over parts of east and south-east England on Saturday until 9pm, the Met Office said.
UK heatwave mapped: Where is going to be hottest as temperatures could hit 40C
New June temperature record broken at 37.3C
16:38 , Maryam Zakir-HussainA provisional temperature of 37.3C has been reached in Santon Downham, in Suffolk, setting another record UK high for June, the Met Office said.
UK theme parks, zoos and museums among attractions closed due to extreme heat
16:32 , Maryam Zakir-HussainFind out which tourist attractions and theme parks are closed here:
UK theme parks, zoos and museums among attractions closed due to extreme heat
June hottest day record smashed at temperatures rocket to 37.1C
15:59 , Maryam Zakir-HussainA provisional temperature of 37.1C has been reached in Cavendish, Suffolk, setting another record for June, the Met Office said.
Today's heatwave at a glance
15:58 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain- At least 571 schools are either fully or partially closed because of the heat, including in Somerset, Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, West Berks and Worcestershire.
- Several hospitals have declared critical incidents, with University Hospital Southampton being forced to cancel a number of planned operations and some outpatient appointments.
- Train passengers are being urged to avoid non-essential travel across much of England on Friday, with Network Rail saying services operating in the Met Office’s red and amber zones should only be used “if absolutely necessary”.
- The M5 was closed in both directions between J22 and J23 in Somerset because of a fault with National Grid infrastructure causing “severe delays” of two hours, National Highways said.
- Sheffield’s tram network was also suspended on Friday afternoon because of the extreme heat.
Greggs keeps stores closed amid extreme heat
15:44 , Maryam Zakir-HussainGreggs stores will remain shut for the rest of the day as a result of the extreme heat.
The shops closed 11 sites across the UK this week from Wednesday as temperatures rocketed.
The high street bakery said they had been closed "to protect its customers and colleagues during the severe hot weather".
Edinburgh Airport still managing disruption following severe thunderstorms
15:40 , Maryam Zakir-HussainEdinburgh Airport has said it is still managing disruption due to severe thunderstorms overnight and on Friday morning.
A spokesperson for Edinburgh Airport said: “Air traffic services at Edinburgh Airport are managing the impacts from earlier disruption due to severe thunderstorms in the local and surrounding airspace.
“This situation has improved from the worst of the weather this morning but it likely this will have knock-on impacts throughout the day and passengers are advised to contact their airline for the latest travel information.”
How to stay safe in the water during the heatwave
15:14 , Maryam Zakir-HussainThe scorching heat can send many of us in search for a cool water spot to cool down.
If you are planning to enjoy the water this week, here’s the Met Office’s three rules on how to stay safe.
- Check the water temperature, our seas and river temperatures are low enough to cause cold water shock when 15°C or lower
- Wear a wetsuit if you plan on spending any length of time in the water
- Wearing a life jacket or swimming buoy can increase your chances if you experience cold water shock
Sheffield's tram network suspended due to extreme heat
14:56 , Maryam Zakir-HussainSheffield’s tram network has been suspended due to the extreme heat, the operator has said.
A spokesperson for Supertram said: “While we have experienced high temperatures throughout the week, this afternoon’s forecast is the highest we have seen, and we have therefore taken the decision to temporarily suspend tram services across the network.
“Customer and staff safety is always our priority. We are continuing to monitor temperatures throughout the afternoon, and services will resume once conditions have improved and it is safe to operate.
“We apologise for the disruption and thank customers for their patience and understanding.”
Supertram said their tickets would be accepted on First and Stagecoach bus services and Northern rail services but customers should avoid travelling if possible.
South East Water: Hosepipe ban to continue until water demand has 'reduced to manageable levels'
14:49 , Maryam Zakir-HussainSouth East Water has said the hosepipe ban will continue until they are confident water demand has “reduced to manageable levels”.
In a statement, the water company also said they will be end the ban when they have assessed that there is “no further risk of supply interruptions across the network throughout the summer”.
Health experts warn heatwave is causing more life-threatening emergency calls
14:30 , Rebecca WhittakerHealth chiefs are warning of the impact the heatwave is having on services as they face significantly more life-threatening emergency calls with record-breaking temperatures continuing to scorch the country.
The London Ambulance Service (LAS) responded to its highest number of life-threatening emergencies ever on Wednesday, and its chief operating officer Craig Harman said he expects “demand to grow day on day over the next couple of days”.
As football fans prepare to cheer on England in Saturday’s World Cup game, Mr Harman has told people to drink alcohol responsibly, drinking “plenty of water” in between alcoholic beverages.
Scientists warn temperatures could reach 45C in the UK in the near future
14:15 , Rebecca WhittakerScientists warn the UK could see temperatures reach 45C in the near future.
Dr Eunice Lo, Senior Research Fellow in Climate Change and Health at the University of Bristol Cabot Institute for the Environment, said: “We must adapt to hot weather now, as it is going to increase in intensity and frequency due to climate change.
“According to Met Office simulations designed to study unprecedented heat, even 45 degrees heat is plausible under current climate. By chance, this hasn’t occurred yet and is not forecast for this week, but it could happen in the near future.”
She aded: “We already have lots of evidence for the Very High risk extreme heat poses to UK health, especially on heat-mortality, both now and through to the end of this century.”
Temperatures are still rising, Met Office warns
14:10 , Rebecca WhittakerAs temperatures hit a record breaking 36.9C in Wattisham, Suffolk, the Met Office has warned temperatures are still rising.
The heatwave continues to break records, with a new provisional hottest June day on record of 36.9°C at Wattisham, Suffolk.
— Met Office (@metoffice) June 26, 2026
And temperatures are still rising.
Stay #WeatherAware⚠️ pic.twitter.com/lCmeCt8oTr
Your Views: ‘Move the summer holidays’: Readers on how schools should adapt to extreme heat
14:00 , Rebecca WhittakerOur community is divided on whether schools should close during heatwaves, but many agree Britain needs longer-term solutions – from adapting school buildings to rethinking term dates – as extreme temperatures become more common...
Read more here:
‘Move the summer holidays’: Readers on how schools should adapt to extreme heat
Record for hottest June day broken yet again
13:59 , Rebecca WhittakerThe record for the hottest June day has been broken for the third day in a row.
Provisional temperatures of 36.9C have been recorded in Wattisham, Suffolk, the Met Office says.
That’s hotter than yesterdays record of 36.7C which was recorded in Merryfield, Somerset.
Yellow warnings for thunderstorms still in place
13:45 , Rebecca WhittakerSeveral yellow thunderstorm warnings are still in place in Scotland and northern parts of England today and tomorrow.
A yellow warning for Scotland has been in place since midnight and will continue until 3am.
The Met Office warned Scotland could see up to 50mm of rainfall in just three hours. The forecaster warned there is a change of flooding and power cuts.
Meanwhile the North East and parts of the North West of England could see heavy rain, large hail, gusty winds and frequent lightning are all possible with 15 to 30 mm rain falling in a short space of time in a few places. A warning is in place here until 9pm tonight.
Similarly, thunderstorms are forecast for Northern Ireland, with a yellow warning in place until 10pm.
Watch: Sky glows orange as ferocious wildfire rages near Glossop
13:31 , Rebecca WhittakerHeatwave in pictures: Londoners thriving or surviving?
13:05 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain
Paris imposes alcohol bans as 40C heatwave leads to scores of deaths in France
12:46 , Maryam Zakir-HussainParis imposed a ban on drinking alcohol in public places on Friday afternoon as Europe continued to grapple with a heatwave linked to hundreds of deaths, forest fires and the abrupt closure of events across the continent.
Restrictions in the French capital came into effect at midday as temperatures swelled to 36C, and will repeat over the weekend in a desperate bid to curb excess deaths.
Paris hit a June record of 40.9C on Wednesday and at least 55 people, many of them young, have drowned across the country since 18 June while trying to escape the heat, according to authorities.
Paris imposes alcohol bans as 40C heatwave leads to scores of deaths in France
Body found in search for teenage boy following reports he entered a lake
12:24 , Maryam Zakir-HussainA body has been found in the search for a teenage boy following reports he entered a lake in Leicestershire on Thursday.
Police were called just after 1.30pm to Meynell Lake, in Fosse Way, Syston, along with Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service and East Midlands Ambulance Service.
Specialist dive teams recovered a person from the water.
Leicestershire Police confirmed on Friday that the body was that of the teenager known to have entered the lake.
There is no suggestion of any suspicious circumstances and a file will be prepared for a coroner, the force added.
An afternoon of extremes
12:18 , Maryam Zakir-HussainA sweltering afternoon is in store for the south, while thunderstorms lash the north, the Met Office has said.
Another hot and humid afternoon is expected across the south and southeast of the country, while thunderstorms affect the north. It will feel slightly fresher in the west, though
— Met Office (@metoffice) June 26, 2026
Stay #WeatherAware⚠️ pic.twitter.com/UqipNPzpPF
