The record for the hottest June day has been smashed yet again, but Britons could also be facing the warmest June night ever.
Wednesday night was the warmest June night ever recorded. Provisional figures show overnight temperatures in Cardiff did not drop below 23.5C, exceeding the previous record of 22.7C set in 1976.
But as temperatures reached 36.7C in Merryfield, Somerset today exceeding yesterday’s record of 36.1C at Gosport, Hampshire, the record for the warmest night could be broken again.
The extreme weather triggered at least three hospitals to declare critical incidents. Equipment including MRI scanners stopped working and some operations were cancelled.
Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth and Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust both declared critical incidents on Wednesday. University Hospital Southampton declared a critical incident on Thursday afternoon because of the ongoing extreme heat.
The Met Office expects the “exceptional spell of hot and humid weather” to continue until Friday night, along with thunderstorms that will bring heavy rain and lightning to most of the UK.
Subscribe here to get the latest updates from The Independent
Read MoreWhen will the UK heatwave end? Met Office issues forecast for 15C drop in temperature
Full list of schools closing or shutting early as heatwave scorches
Mapped: Is there a hosepipe ban in my area and what restrictions are in place?
Tube temperatures near 40C as commuters brave heatwave: ‘It’s hotter than South Africa’
Health warning issued as more than 1 million children in UK living in overheated homes
Key Points
- Hottest June day on record smashed again as temperatures hit 36.7C
- Three hospitals declared critical incidents amid extreme heat
- Red weather warning extended to Friday in capital and southeast
- Hosepipe ban in Kent amid 'exceptionally high' water demand
- More than 10 people taken to hospital after being stranded on M25 in extreme heat
- UK could face the warmest June night on record
What is a heat dome? How Europe’s scorching temperatures are driving the UK heatwave
04:00 , Maryam Zakir-HussainThis unseasonably hot weather is being driven by a significant area of trapped high pressure building in Europe, known as a ‘heat dome’, which is triggering scorching temperatures across the continent.
Here we explore what causes a heat dome and how a heatwave is defined:
What is a heat dome? How Europe’s scorching temperatures are driving the UK heatwave
Do I have to send my child to school during a heatwave?
03:00 , Maryam Zakir-HussainThe Department for Education recommends that parents still send their children to school during a heatwave.
It is up to each school to implement early closures, and there is no maximum temperature at which they must do so.
The DfE says that “during hot weather, we don’t normally advise schools to close.
“This is because school attendance is the best way for pupils to learn and reach their potential, and hot weather can usually be managed safely.”
If a student cannot attend school because the weather has disrupted travel, parents should inform the school as soon as possible, the government said.
The DfE said it was “carefully considering” recommendations from the Climate Change Committee (CCC) and Trades Union Congress to implement a maximum temperature limit for schools.
The National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) has written to its members with guidance on dealing with the heat this week.
Paul Whiteman, its general secretary, said: “While there is no legal ‘upper limit’ for temperature in schools, [school leaders] will certainly be doing all they can to mitigate the effects of such high temperatures.”
Why leaving a dog in a hot car for one minute is too long – and what to do if you spot one
02:00 , 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.
Read more here:
What to do if you see a distressed dog in a car during a heatwave
Hosepipe ban map: Is my area under restrictions during record UK heatwave?
01:00 , Maryam Zakir-HussainA UK water company has put a hosepipe ban in place as temperatures begin to spike, with households across the country advised to limit their use.
South East Water has put an official temporary hosepipe use ban in place, covering much of the Kent region. Other areas served by the company – Surrey, Hampshire, Berkshire and Sussex (both East and West) – have also been advised to pause all use.
A hosepipe ban is different to an advisory notice. Anyone caught breaching an official ban can be issued with a fine of up to £1,000.
Hosepipe ban map: Is my area under restrictions during record UK heatwave?
London’s hottest Tube lines revealed as capital bakes in record-breaking heatwave
00:00 , Maryam Zakir-HussainTemperatures on the London Underground rail network reached almost 40C on Wednesday as the day was officially declared the hottest in June on record.
Despite the record temperatures, commuters could still be seen in droves in central London, braving the notoriously high Tube heat.
Tube temperatures near 40C as commuters brave heatwave: ‘Hotter than South Africa’
'Without action, the health impacts of climate change will only intensify'
23:00 , Maryam Zakir-HussainDr Alan Dangour, director of climate and health at Wellcome, said: “Climate change will continue to fuel record breaking heatwaves – growing in ferocity and frequency. Without action, the health impacts of climate change will only intensify – with groups like pregnant women, outdoor workers and older people most at risk.
“We have an opportunity and responsibility to better protect the most vulnerable in society – that means urgent and ambitious action cutting our fossil fuel use and ensuring we’re adapting to our current reality before it is too late.”
When will the weather cool down?
22:00 , Maryam Zakir-HussainThe Met Office posted their latest take on when the weather will cool down.
Fresher air and some rain are in store for Sunday.
When will it cool down? 🌡️
— Met Office (@metoffice) June 25, 2026
The exceptional heat will continue for some into the weekend, but fresher air will spread from the west with some rain, turning thundery at times.
Watch this weekend’s weather forecast with Alex Burkill ⤵️
🧵 1/2 pic.twitter.com/3tlQSJfKFT
Wildfire on woodland and moor in Derbyshire
21:55 , Rebecca WhittakerA wildfire on a woodland and moor in Derbyshire has broken out during the extreme heat.
Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service was called to Tintwistle Moor, above Woodhead Road, at about 10pm on Wednesday.
Six fire crews were at the scene of the fire today which had affected 400 sq m of land.
The A628 Woodhead Pass has been closed in both directions between the A57 and A616 due to the fire, according to National Highways.
Will tonight be the warmest night on record?
21:45 , Rebecca WhittakerWednesday night was the warmest June night ever recorded.
Provisional figures show overnight temperatures in Cardiff did not drop below 23.5C, exceeding the previous record of 22.7C set in 1976.
But this record could be broken again tonight.
At least two hospitals declare critical incidents amid heatwave
21:30 , Maryam Zakir-HussainAt least two hospitals have declared critical incidents amid a rare red warning for extreme heat and record-breaking temperatures.
Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth and Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust both declared critical incidents on Wednesday.
It comes as a new record high temperature has been set for June on Thursday, for the second day in a row, as the UK swelters in a heatwave.
Queen Alexandra Hospital said it declared the critical incident after the “failure of several chiller units supporting critical infrastructure during the ongoing heatwave”.
It added that some planned care and appointments have been stood down until the issues are resolved.
In an update on Thursday, the trust said that while the chiller units were up and running, the exceptionally hot weather has meant that cooling down vital infrastructure was taking much longer than normal.
The trust said it has extended the critical incident to allow it to “bring services back online in a safe and controlled way”.
The hidden risk of swimming during a heatwave and why men are more at risk of drowning than women
21:00 , Harriette BoucherAs fire crews issue warnings about jumping into open water as people look to cool down, swimming teacher Vinny Simpson – who lost his uncle to drowning – explains to Radhika Sanghani why taking a dip to cool off can prove much more dangerous than it looks:
Why men are more at risk of drowning than women in a heatwave
'Politicians are playing with people's lives': Campaign group calls for government to act on climate change
20:20 , Harriette BoucherThe government must put the public’s need for cheaper bills and a safe climate ahead of the profits of oil companies, a campaigning organisation has stated.
Robert Palmer, the deputy director of Uplift, which supports the transition away from oil and gas production, said: “Politicians are playing with people’s lives.
“We smashed the June heat record yesterday and are set to break it again today. This morning the papers are reporting the devastating impact of this heat: one in six babies are living in overheated homes, hospitals are canceling operations, 10 people have been taken to hospital after being stuck on the red hot M25. We’re seeing a meltdown in normal services, including shut schools, halted trains and struggling care homes.
“This is the impact of climate change, right on our shores. Yet we have politicians going out to bat for more North Sea oil and gas drilling, which is the very thing driving climate breakdown.
“The huge Rosebank oil field isn’t compatible with safe climate limits or the UK’s commitments to tackling climate change.
“Politicians need to wake up to the reality that the rest of the country is facing, which is that climate change is already disrupting lives – and act on it. Whoever leads our country must decide to put the public’s need for cheaper bills and a safe climate ahead of the profits of oil companies.”
Watch: Why women struggle more than men in a heatwave
19:50 , Harriette BoucherThree hospitals declared critical incidents amid extreme heat
19:26 , Rebecca WhittakerAt least three hospitals have declared critical incidents amid a rare red warning for extreme heat and record-breaking temperatures.
Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth and Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust both declared critical incidents on Wednesday.
University Hospital Southampton declared a critical incident on Thursday afternoon because of the ongoing extreme heat, “which is placing significant pressure on our services”, it said.
The hospital had to cancel a number of planned operations as well as some outpatient appointments.
Chiller units failed and MRI scanners were unable to operate across several hospitals.
Critical incidents can be declared when health and care services are so busy that special measures are needed to restore normal operations and keep patients safe.
Do hot drinks cool you down in a heatwave?
19:20 , Harriette BoucherThe Independent’s Albert Toth writes:
Studies show that hot drinks can surprisingly reduce body temperature – but no more than cool drinks.
A 2016 study by Loughborough University found that a key factor in which is better depends on the environment. Researchers found that hot drinks increase sweat production, and so in moderate, dry heat can leave people feeling cooler long-term as this evaporates from the skin.
But in hotter and more humid conditions, it is usually preferable not to sweat excessively, as this can lead to “inefficient sweat losses” which will affect overall hydration.
And this is key – staying hydrated is one of the most important things in hot weather, with more liquid than usual required to prevent dehydration.
Overall, the difference between ingesting hot and cool drinks is minimal, although cooler drinks will likely provide more immediate relief. What’s most important is drinking plenty of liquid to aid general hydration.
Do hot drinks cool you down in a heatwave?
Watch: Record-breaking june temperatures draw crowds to beaches and pools
19:18 , Rebecca WhittakerRecap: Series of thunderstorm warnings issued with heavy rain and lightning on way
18:50 , Harriette BoucherMultiple weather warnings for thunderstorms have been issued ahead of the heavy rain and frequent hail set to hit the UK.
A thunderstorm warning came into force at 3pm on Thursday for Grampian, Highlands & Eilean Siar, Orkney and Shetland, and Strathclyde.
The warning will be extended to include all of Scotland on Friday, when a thunderstorm warning also comes into force for most of England and Wales.
Friday’s weather warning will cover the East Midlands, London & South East England, North East England, North West England, South West England, Wales, West Midlands, and Yorkshire & Humber until 10am.
The Met Office said: “Many areas missing the worst, but thunderstorms could bring disruption in places during Thursday night and into Friday morning.”
It warned there was a chance of power cuts, flooding and travel disruption with winds reaching 60 mph possible.
Mayor unveils 'heat plan' to help Londoners during heatwave
18:20 , Harriette BoucherThe Mayor of London has unveiled the capital’s first ever heat plan to keep Londoners safe during increasingly frequent heatwaves.
Expanding access to public drinking water and blue spaces are among the priority areas of focus set out in the plan, entitled Heat Ready London.
Sir Sadiq Khan said he hopes it will help tackle the “huge obstacles” the city faces with rising temperatures.
It comes as the UK swelters in exceptional heat as the hottest ever June day was recorded, with provisional temperatures reaching 36.1C in Gosport, Hampshire, on Wednesday.
Heat Ready London focuses on six key sectors: the built environment, business and economy, emergency preparedness, resilience and response, health and care, green space and nature and infrastructure.
The plan sets out a series of objectives, which includes protecting Londoners from the health impacts of rising temperatures and prioritising vulnerable people in high-risk areas.
Hottest June day recorded in Wales
18:00 , Rebecca WhittakerWales has seen its hottest June day on record, with 35.9C recorded in Cardiff.
Meanwhile, Northern Ireland has seen the previous record high for June matched after a temperature of 30.8C was reached in Castlederg, the Met Office said in a post on social media.
What is a hosepipe ban and why has it been introduced in Kent?
17:50 , Harriette BoucherA hosepipe ban has been introduced for large parts of Kent due to high temperatures and record demand for water across the county.
South East Water announced the Temporary Use Ban on Thursday morning.
It means customers under the ban can not use hosepipes for watering gardens, washing cars, patios and boats and for filling swimming and paddling pools.
Anyone caught breaching the ban faces a maximum fine of up to £1,000 in a magistrates' court under the Water Industry Act 1991.
“Introducing a Temporary Use Ban will help protect local water resources and ensure we can continue to provide a reliable supply of drinking water to customers and essential services across the county,” South East Water said.
The restrictions are the only official hosepipe ban currently in place in the UK, however, other regions have been asked to limit their water use for essential purposes only.
In pictures: People enjoy hot weather in Edinburgh
17:20 , Harriette Boucher
Hottest June day on record smashed again
16:51 , Maryam Zakir-HussainA new record temperature of 36.7C for June has been recorded at Merryfield in Somerset, the Met Office said.
London’s hottest Tube lines revealed as capital bakes in record-breaking heatwave
16:50 , Harriette Boucher London’s hottest Tube lines revealed as capital bakes in record-breaking heatwave
Hundreds of patients have appointments cancelled after MRI scanners fail due to heat
16:20 , Harriette BoucherA critical incident was declared at a NHS trust on Wednesday after the extreme heat caused the MRI scanners to fail.
Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust apologised for the “distress” caused by the incident, which saw hundreds of patients’ appointments cancelled.
NNUH chief operating officer Chris Cobb told The Independent: “Due to the hot and humid weather, the cooling systems in our MRI scanners within the hospital building and at the community diagnostic centre failed and a critical incident was declared yesterday. We have worked tirelessly in the last 24 hours to bring some of the scanners back online.
“This morning we have received a mobile unit and we now have working scanners across the trust including the community diagnostic centre, which we are prioritising for inpatients and patients on suspected cancer two week waiting lists.
“We are working to reappoint all previously 362 cancelled outpatients these will be prioritised in order of urgency. Our Emergency Department and those requiring urgent care are not affected.”
Watch: Electric bus destroyed by fire as London battles extreme temperatures
15:50 , Harriette BoucherIn pictures: Londoners soak up sun in Canary Wharf as Britain experiences record temperatures
15:20 , Harriette Boucher
Record number of life-threatening emergencies during London heatwave
15:06 , Harriette BoucherLondon Ambulance Service said it recorded its highest ever number of life-threatening emergencies in its history “driven by the extreme heat” on Wednesday.
It responded to 642 category one calls, which include the most serious, life-threatening injuries and illnesses such as cardiac arrests and patients who are not breathing.
More than 400 extra ambulance crews have been put on the road amid the ongoing heatwave in London, it said earlier.
Chief executive Jason Killens KAM said: “We have seen the highest number of life-threatening emergencies in our history, driven by the extreme heat across London.
“Our crews are working very hard in challenging conditions to care for patients and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our people for their incredible hard work.
“Please help them to help you by taking care of yourself and others – stay out of the sun and keep hydrated.”It was the fifth busiest day in the service’s history, with 7,900 calls in total and ambulance crews responding to nearly 3,600 patients in a single day.”
Met Office five-day forecast
14:59 , Harriette BoucherToday
Plenty of sunshine, though low cloud affecting some North Sea coasts. Hot for most, exceptionally so across southern and central parts of England and Wales. Breezier than Wednesday. Wetter and cloudier for northwest Scotland, with spells of heavy rain.
Tonight
Rain in the northwest turning thundery. Further thunderstorms with strong gusty winds developing across southwest England during Thursday evening before spreading northeastwards overnight. Warm and humid for all.
Friday
Rather cloudy across northern regions with outbreaks of rain and thunderstorms, accompanied by hail and gusty winds. Peak heat transferring to eastern England, with temperatures further west dropping slightly.
Outlook for Saturday to Monday
Still hot in the southeast on Saturday. Fresher conditions gradually arriving from the west during the weekend, but this accompanied by spells of rain and thundery showers. Drier by Monday.
Breaking: Hottest June day record broke again as temperatures hit 36.4C
14:39 , Harriette BoucherMore medical emergencies seen among rough sleepers during heatwave, says charity
14:38 , Harriette BoucherAn increase in the number of medical emergencies among people living on the streets has been seen during the heatwave, a charity said.
Ish Camp, regional head of St Mungo’s, said the charity is “absolutely seeing a lot more medical emergencies” amid record-breaking temperatures.
Ms Camp said: “We are absolutely seeing a lot more medical emergencies.“We’ve seen a lot higher incidents of people becoming unwell, people being dehydrated.”
She added: “This is an emergency situation and the priority is keeping people alive.”
The most recent figures, published in April, showed almost 4,000 people were sleeping rough in London in January-March this year.
Anglian Water put 1600 million litres of water into supply yesterday
14:22 , Harriette BoucherAnglian Water put 1600 million litres of water into supply on Wednesday - far higher than its typical distribution of 1200 million litres a day.
The increase is roughly equivalent to supplying an extra county the size of Lincolnshire, it said.
Ian Rule, the director of water services for Anglian Water, has urged customers to avoid using hosepipes and use less water wherever they can.
He added that there was no plans to introduce a hosepipe ban this year.
“We recognise that water plays an important part in keeping cool and staying hydrated during the heat, but anywhere you can cut back - for instance, by reusing water from paddling pools to water your garden, taking shorter showers or putting off non-essential tasks like washing the car - will make a significant difference over the coming days.”
Earlier today, South East Water imposed a hosepipe ban on 850,000 of its customers in Kent.
Schools closing in heatwave shows more to do to modernise buildings, says education secretary
14:10 , Harriette BoucherSchools having to close or shut early to protect pupils and staff during the heatwave shows “there is more to do” to ensure buildings are equipped to deal with extreme heat, Bridget Phillipson has said.
At least 1,000 settings made decisions to either close completely or send children home early on Wednesday and Thursday, as the June temperature record – held since the infamous summer of 1976 – was smashed.
The education secretary has faced calls to urgently modernise school buildings, in particular to fit them with air conditioning – with climate change likely to make the high temperatures seen this week less rare.
During a visit to Beanfield Primary School in Corby, Northamptonshire, on Thursday, Ms Phillipson told the Press Association: “Schools have had a difficult time of it in that we saw a huge backlog building up over many many years, schools crumbling, we had the Raac (reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete) crisis.
“There’s been a big job of work left in order to really make sure that all our schools are modern buildings that are able to deliver a brilliant education for our children.
“We are investing a lot of money in making that a reality, but I think the challenges that schools are facing around the extreme weather at the moment demonstrate that there’s more to do.”
The government allocated £2.4 billion in 2025/26 to improve the condition of the school and college estate.
British woman dies at campsite in Western France on hottest day of year
13:59 , Harriette BoucherA British woman has reportedly died at a campsite in Western France on Wednesday when the country recorded its hottest day ever.
The Daily Mail spoke to an employee at the campsite who confirmed that an elderly British woman collapsed and died at the Baie D-Aunis campsite.
More than 50 people have been killed in France during the intense heatwave.
A three year-old boy also died after becoming trapped in a car in Paris.
The toddler slipped into the family car while his father thought he was sleeping but was unable to get out due to the child lock, public prosecutor Guirec Le Bras said.
Man dead after entering water at South Wales beach
13:45 , Harriette BoucherA 50-year-old man died after entering the water at Aberavon Beach in South Wales on Wednesday.
Police were called to the beach at around 4.25pm following reports that a man required medical assistance.
South Wales Police said the coastguard performed CPR until the arrival of the air ambulance and paramedics, but the man was pronounced dead at the scene at 4.50pm.
The man is from Cilfrew in Neath Port Talbot and his family has been notified.
His death is not being treated as suspicious, police said.
UK breaks record for three consecutive days of red weather warnings
13:36 , Harriette BoucherThe Met Office has extended its red weather warning until Friday, marking the first time a red warning for extreme heat has been issued for three consecutive days.
It’s also the second ever red warning for extreme heat to have ever been issued, with the first issued in July 2022.
Toddler dies in hot car after becoming trapped while mother slept in 40C heatwave
13:27 , Harriette BoucherAlex Croft reports:
A three year-old boy has died after becoming trapped in a car in Paris as France recorded the hottest day in its history.
The toddler slipped into the family car while his father thought he was sleeping but was unable to get out due to the child lock, public prosecutor Guirec Le Bras said.
The child’s mother was having a nap with the couple’s 18-month-old other child while the father worked in the garden shed, the prosecutor told French media.
“He apparently shut himself in and became trapped in the vehicle before being found unconscious by his parents,” the prosecutor said, adding that the mother is in hospital in a state of shock.
More follows on this breaking news story...
Toddler dies in hot car after becoming trapped in vehicle while mother slept
UK theme parks, zoos and museums among attractions closed due to extreme heat
13:20 , Harriette BoucherNatalie Wilson writes:
Top tourist attractions across the UK are closing their doors until Friday as Brits brace for record-breaking temperatures up to 40C.
With hundreds of schools in England and Wales being forced to send children home this week, here are the UK attractions that have closed or adjusted their opening hours during the scorching temperatures:
UK theme parks, zoos and museums among attractions closed due to extreme heat
Heatwave to 'maintain its grip on the UK for a little longer'
13:12 , Harriette BoucherThe Met Office’s chief meteorologist said parts of the UK will still experience the intense heatwave “for a little longer.”
A red warning for extreme heat in London and parts of south eastern England has been extended until 9pm on Friday.
Andy Page said: “This exceptional spell of hot and humid weather will maintain its grip on the UK for a little longer.
“Although the current red warning for areas in more central and western parts of England and Wales will expire later today, the heatwave will still be bringing high temperatures to these areas, albeit moving away from the peak heat of Wednesday and Thursday.
“We are expecting that some daytime maximum temperatures could exceed 36C, perhaps rising to 37C in some locations.”
There will also be high humidity, which would lead to uncomfortably warm, humid nights, the Met Office said.
“Significant disruption to daily life is likely and the public should take every effort to adapt their daily routines to cope with these levels of heat, which up to now have been extremely rare for the UK,” Mr Page said.
As the heatwave eases, the Met Office said the east and southeast of England will retain the warmth the longest, although there should be a climbdown in temperatures by Saturday, with peaks around 32C likely.
Next week, a more westerly influence on the UK’s weather is expected, with a return to more average temperatures for the time of year and a mixture of winds and rain, particularly in the northwest, the weather service said.
Heatstroke symptoms: Key signs to look out for amid red weather warning
13:00 , Harriette BoucherHosepipe ban map: Is my area under restrictions during UK heatwave?
12:43 , Harriette Boucher Hosepipe ban map: Is my area under restrictions during record UK heatwave?
Cobra meeting held to respond to extreme heatwave
12:25 , Millie CookeDowning Street confirmed that ministers held a Cobra meeting on Tuesday to respond to the extreme heatwave unfolding across the UK, urging people to "pay close attention" to guidance issued by the UK Health Security Agency.
As temperatures look set to top 35C again, the prime minister's official spokesperson said: "We're working across government and devolved and local partners to respond to the severe heat wave.
"As part of this response, we held an official level Cobra on Tuesday morning, and will continue to monitor the situation closely.
"As well as clearly being uncomfortable, the red weather alerts indicate that the heat poses a risk to life, and that's why we urge people to pay close attention to guidance issued by the UK Health Security Agency, other public health bodies and organisations, such as transport operators."
Downing Street rejects calls for maximum workplace temperatures
12:16 , Millie CookeDowning Street has once again shot down calls for a legal maximum workplace temperature, but insisted that employers "should take practical steps to keep workers safe".
Asked whether this was something they were considering amid soaring temperatures, the prime minister's official spokesperson said: "We have no plans to introduce a maximum workplace temperature. We are clear that employers should take practical steps to keep workers safe... and the Health and Safety Executive has shared guidance for employers to plan for and support those working in extreme heat.
"Practical steps can include providing adequate ventilation and shade, and allowing enough breaks for workers to cool down."
Starmer: Schools have to decide for themselves if they should close
12:12 , Harriette BoucherSir Keir Starmer said schools have to decide for themselves whether it is right to close early as a result of the heatwave.
Asked if it was right that children’s education suffer because of the extreme weather, the prime minister said: “It is very hot, and obviously schools will have to take the appropriate measures, and each school will gage for themselves the measures that are appropriate.
“But it is important that we as a government co-ordinate this across the country, and actually with all of the countries within the United Kingdom, which is what we’re doing.”
Cobra meetings are taking place “at the official level”, Sir Keir said, adding: “Obviously it falls to me and others to say, take care, be sensible with precautions, and schools are going to have to decide. They are deciding.”
Education secretary Bridget Phillipson said earlier that the government was encouraging schools to stay open “as a priority”.
Thousands of schools are sending children home early this week or closing all together amid the record high temperatures.
Why leaving a dog in a hot car for one minute is too long – and what to do if you spot one
11:52 , Harriette BoucherNicole Wootton-Cane reports:
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.
Lauren Bennett, animal welfare expert at the RSPCA, said: “The RSPCA does not have the legal power to enter a vehicle to rescue an animal in distress - only the police have the power to do this.
“So please, if you see a dog or any other animal inside a hot car, call 999 immediately - every second really does count in this situation and it’s vital to get the animal out of that environment and safely cooled down as soon as possible.”
Read more:
What to do if you see a distressed dog in a car during a heatwave
In pictures: Blackpool Zoo animals cool off with sprat and fruit ice lollies
11:43 , Harriette Boucher
Temperatures of Central London pavements climb close to 60C
11:32 , Harriette BoucherPavements, rail platforms, building sites and playgrounds across London reached temperatures nearing 60C on Wednesday.
As the capital suffered through record-high temperatures, surfaces in Piccadilly Circus and Oxford Circus reached 56C, while Regent Street hit 57C, according to thermal camera images captured for Greenpeace UK.
The overground platform at Highbury & Islington had a surface temperature of 62C and the granite paving stones in King’s Cross Square reached 54C.
Greenpeace UK head of climate Mel Evans said: “This record-smashing heatwave has turned London into a sticky, sizzling cauldron. This isn’t just weather – it’s a public health emergency driven by fossil fuel giants and their planet-heating emissions.
“These abnormal temperatures are stretching homes, schools, transport and our own health to breaking point, and yet the government has been caught off guard.
“Ministers need to stop winging it and deliver a proper extreme heat plan, with cooler homes and schools, safe limits for workers, more shade and green space, and clear protection for the most vulnerable. But adaptation alone won’t be enough.
“Political leaders must also stop fossil fuel companies from turning up the heat on our planet – and make them pay their fair share to fix the problem they’ve caused.”
Red weather warning extended until Friday in capital and southeast
11:11 , Harriette BoucherThe red weather warning for extreme heat has been extended until Friday night.
Parts of London and South East of England, as well as the East of England, will stay under the warning until 9pm tomorrow.
The Met Office said “the exceptional spell of hot and humid weather will continue across this region, with impacts to the general population highly likely.
“The heatwave which is affecting a large part of England and Wales is set to continue during Friday. The focus of the highest temperatures on Friday is likely to shift towards east and southeastern England, where maximum temperatures in the shade could exceed 36 Celsius, perhaps rising to 38 Celsius in some places.
“However, following another very warm night, the greatest likelihood of high impacts are expected to be within this Red warning area during Friday.”
The weather agency said significant disruption to daily life can again be expected on Friday.
Series of thunderstorm warnings issued with heavy rain and lightning on way
11:02 , Harriette BoucherMultiple weather warnings for thunderstorms have been issued ahead of the heavy rain and frequent hail set to hit the UK.
A thunderstorm warning comes into force at 3pm on Thursday for Grampian, Highlands & Eilean Siar, Orkney and Shetland, and Strathclyde.
The warning will be extended to include all of Scotland on Friday, when a thunderstorm warning also comes into force for most of England and Wales.
Friday’s weather warning will cover the East Midlands, London & South East England, North East England, North West England, South West England, Wales, West Midlands, and Yorkshire & Humber until 10am.
The Met Office said: “Many areas missing the worst, but thunderstorms could bring disruption in places during Thursday night and into Friday morning.”
It warned there was a chance of power cuts, flooding and travel disruption with winds reaching 60 mph possible.
Where will get the hottest today?
10:44 , Harriette BoucherToday’s temperatures are forecast to reach 37C in parts of the UK today, exceeding yesterday’s hottest June day ever recorded.
The southwest of England will experience the warmest weather, with areas in Hampshire and Wiltshire expecting to see highs in the late thirties.
London is forecast to reach 32C, slightly cooler than the 35.8C recorded in the capital yesterday.
Wales is set for another scorching day, with highs of 35C expected widely.
Northern parts of Scotland won’t see temperatures climb above 20C, but southern parts could experience highs of 30C by the late afternoon.
Temperatures will climb to the mid-to-late twenties in Northern Ireland.
'Politicians are playing with people's lives': Campaign group calls for government to act on climate change
10:25 , Harriette BoucherThe government must put the public’s need for cheaper bills and a safe climate ahead of the profits of oil companies, a campaigning organisation has stated.
Robert Palmer, the deputy director of Uplift, which supports the transition away from oil and gas production, said: “Politicians are playing with people’s lives.
“We smashed the June heat record yesterday and are set to break it again today. This morning the papers are reporting the devastating impact of this heat: one in six babies are living in overheated homes, hospitals are canceling operations, 10 people have been taken to hospital after being stuck on the red hot M25. We’re seeing a meltdown in normal services, including shut schools, halted trains and struggling care homes.
“This is the impact of climate change, right on our shores. Yet we have politicians going out to bat for more North Sea oil and gas drilling, which is the very thing driving climate breakdown.
“The huge Rosebank oil field isn’t compatible with safe climate limits or the UK’s commitments to tackling climate change.
“Politicians need to wake up to the reality that the rest of the country is facing, which is that climate change is already disrupting lives – and act on it. Whoever leads our country must decide to put the public’s need for cheaper bills and a safe climate ahead of the profits of oil companies.”
