Several schools are sending students home early this week to protect them from the extreme heatwave set to scorch the UK.
It comes after Britons were warned of a risk to life “for even the healthy population”, with a rare red weather warning for extreme heat issued for parts of the country.
With temperatures forecast to reach up to 40C on Wednesday, the AA said drivers could see gritters out on roads and cautioned that the heat could put extra strain on vehicles.
The UK Health Security Agency also issued red heat health alerts for the East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England, London, South East, and South West.
Sweltering heat is expected until at least Thursday, with the Met Office expecting the record for the hottest June temperature to be smashed.
The Met Office’s red weather warning, which stretches from London across to Somerset and Swansea and up towards Birmingham, comes into force at 9am on Wednesday and will be lifted at 9pm on Thursday.
In addition to the extreme heat warning, the Met Office has issued a yellow warning for thunderstorms which were forecast to hit the south of England on Monday evening.
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Key Points
- Multiple weather records to be smashed in England and Wales
- UKHSA warns of danger to life as red heat health alerts issued
- Fire chiefs warn of wildlife and open water risks during 'dangerous' heatwave
- Households urged to 'ditch the hosepipe'
- Met Office issues yellow weather warning for thunderstorms this evening
Met Office five-day forecast
04:00 , Rebecca WhittakerThis Evening and Tonight
A widely warm night, very warm in parts of Wales and southwest England. Most places staying dry, but thunderstorms may affect southern and central parts of England this evening.
Tuesday
A very hot and humid day across England and Wales with strong sunshine. Hot across parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland with light winds.
Outlook for Wednesday to Friday
Extremely hot and humid in southern and central parts of England and Wales. Strong sunshine at times, but increasingly cloudy by Thursday with showers. Becoming slightly cooler from Friday.
UK heatwave: 40C in June must be wake-up call on climate crisis, scientists warn
03:00 , Rebecca WhittakerScientists are warning that politicians are failing to appreciate the magnitude of the climate crisis after the Met Office forecast that temperatures in the UK could hit 40C for just the second time since records began.
Rare red warnings have been issued over extreme temperatures that are this week set to hit record highs for June – smashing the record set in 1976 by several degrees.
The hot conditions will have major knock-on effects for health, schools, workers and transport, with experts warning that the predicted temperatures are “incredibly alarming” and should be seen as a public health threat.
Read more here by Nick Ferris the Independent’s climate correspondent:
40C in June must be wake-up call on climate crisis, scientists warn
Met Office warn it will be a 'warm and muggy' night as temperatures stay high overnight
02:00 , Rebecca WhittakerTonight some areas of the UK are forecast to not drop much below 20C, according to the Met Office.
It warned that it will fee “warm and muggy” as temperatures are not expected to drastically drop.
Get ready for a warm and muggy night 🌓
— Met Office (@metoffice) June 22, 2026
Some spots in the west may not even see temperatures dropping much below 20℃ pic.twitter.com/6LxWYyspoQ
Recap: Where is the Red Heat-Health Alert ?
01:00 , Rebecca WhittakerThe UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a heat-health alert for most of southern England, the midlands and parts of Wales until June 25.
Health chiefs have warned this is the highest level of alert that means it’s not just vulnerable groups at risk.
🔴⚠️ A Red Heat-Health Alert has been issued across the Midlands and southern England until 25 June. This is the highest level of alert and indicates a risk to everyone's health, not just vulnerable groups. Northern England is under an Amber alert. pic.twitter.com/TDOnX0GZMU
— UK Health Security Agency (@UKHSA) June 22, 2026
Drivers urged to postpone journeys as record heatwave threatens to melt roads
00:00 , Harriette BoucherMotorists whose vehicles lack efficient air conditioning are being advised to postpone non-essential travel during the current heatwave.
The RAC, which issued the urgent plea, also urged drivers to exercise "patience" as record demand is expected to lead to extended wait times for breakdown assistance.
This advice follows the Met Office's red weather warning for extreme heat, in effect for Wednesday and Thursday.
RAC road safety spokesperson Rod Dennis said those warnings are “rare” and “we urge everyone to take them seriously this week”.
Drivers urged to postpone journeys as record heatwave threatens to melt roads
Heatwave sparks health and transport concerns as rare red health warning issued
23:30 , Harriette BoucherExtreme heat expected this week has sparked concerns over impacts on health, schools and transport, as a rare red heat health alert is issued.
The Met Office said this week’s heatwave will see temperatures exceed 37C in the shade and could even see them rise to 38C to 40C in some parts of England and Wales, as human-driven climate change intensifies the impact of a “heat-dome” settling over western Europe.
The hot conditions, which have been very rare in the UK until now, will be accompanied by high humidity, and very warm and humid nights which will make it hard for people to recover overnight, the forecasters added.
Read more here:
Heatwave sparks health and transport concerns as rare red health warning issued
What is a red weather warning and what should Britons expect?
23:00 , Harriette BoucherA red warning is the most extreme weather alert that is only issued when significant impacts are expected.
The Met Office said the heat, which could reach 40C, will bring high humidity, exacerbating the potential for discomfort and health impacts, with very warm and humid night times also reducing the ability for people to recover overnight.
“During the heatwave expected to affect a large part of England and Wales this week, the highlighted area now looks increasingly likely to see a two to three day period where maximum temperatures in the shade exceed 37 Celsius, perhaps rising to 38 to 40 Celsius in some places.
“Significant disruption to daily life is likely and the public should take every effort to make precautions and adapt their daily routines where possible to cope with these levels of heat, which up to now have been extremely rare for the UK.”
Recap: South East Water customers told to only use water for essential purposes
22:30 , Harriette BoucherSouth East Water is urging households to only use water for essential purposes while demand for drinking water is “exceptionally high”.
On Sunday, its customers used 56 million litres more water than usual, and it’s expected that this figure will rise as temperatures get higher.
Households have been told to stop using hosepipes and only use water for hygiene, drinking and cooking.
Thames Water and Anglian Water have also asked customers to “ditch the hosepipe” and reduce their water consumption.
Dr Geoff Darch, head of strategic asset planning at Anglian Water, said: “As always, our teams are working round the clock to keep taps flowing across our region, but during hot weather like this, we see a much higher demand for water, which puts pressure on our networks.
“Please think carefully about your water usage and use less water now, to help make sure that you and your community have enough water to go around.”
22:00 , Harriette BoucherA trade union has urged employers to keep workers safe during the heatwave and not let them work in extreme and dangerous conditions,
Joanne Thomas, Usdaw general secretary, said: “Heat stress is a real health and safety risk that can lead to more accidents and injuries. As the temperature rises, heat exhaustion starts. People begin to suffer loss of concentration, irritability, dizziness, headaches, nausea and fainting.
“Under current regulations, there is a legal minimum temperature limit for working indoors. However, there is currently no law stating a maximum – only the responsibility to assess the risks and provide temporary, local cooling methods, access to water and rest facilities where necessary
“Usdaw has long campaigned for the introduction of a legal maximum working temperature of 30C, or 2°C for those doing strenuous work, with employers obliged to adopt cooling measures when the workplace temperature hits 24C.”
Europe heatwave mapped: France bans alcohol and Spain cancels sporting events as temperatures soar to 40C
21:30 , Harriette BoucherThe Independent’s Alex Croft reports:
Europe heatwave mapped: France bans alcohol and Spain cancels sporting events as temperatures soar to 40C
Temperatures are set to rocket above a scorching 40 degrees celsius (C) in Europe this week, as the continent braces for the hottest weather of the year so far.
European countries have restricted public drinking, cancelled transport, concerts, and sporting events, and are preparing to close schools as they urge people to take extreme precaution in what is likely to be a deadly heatwave.
In France, three people have died as extreme heat strikes the country, forcing nearly 2,700 schools to plan closure with temperatures in Bordeaux expected to exceed 42C on Monday.
Europe heatwave mapped: The holiday hotspots roasting in 40C temperatures
Recap: Where rare red weather warnings have been issued
21:00 , Harriette BoucherA red weather warning for extreme heat will come into force at 9am on Wednesday.
The rare warning, which indicates a danger to life, is in place in East Midlands, East of England, London and South East England, South West England, Wales, and West Midlands.
Britons should expect “population-wide adverse health effects”, the Met Office said.
“The heat will be accompanied by high humidity, exacerbating the potential for discomfort and health impacts, with very warm and humid night times also reducing the ability for people to recover overnight.
“Significant disruption to daily life is likely and the public should take every effort to make precautions and adapt their daily routines where possible to cope with these levels of heat, which up to now have been extremely rare for the UK.”
Met Office five-day forecast
20:30 , Harriette BoucherThis Evening and Tonight
A widely warm night, very warm in parts of Wales and southwest England. Most places staying dry, but thunderstorms may affect southern and central parts of England this evening.
Tuesday
A very hot and humid day across England and Wales with strong sunshine. Hot across parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland with light winds.
Outlook for Wednesday to Friday
Extremely hot and humid in southern and central parts of England and Wales. Strong sunshine at times, but increasingly cloudy by Thursday with showers. Becoming slightly cooler from Friday.
TfL warns tubes and trains may be disrupted in the heat
20:23 , Rebecca WhittakerTemperatures are forecast to hit 38C in the capital later this week which may cause tube delays, Transport for London warns.
Claire Mann, TfL’s Chief Operating Officer, said: “Customers should be aware that, given the very high temperatures that are forecast, we are likely to see some disruption to rail and Tube services – with rail temperatures likely to lead to temporary speed restrictions and therefore reduced services in some cases. This will vary by line, with some services that share parts of the over ground rail network – like the Overground and the Elizabeth line – likely to be more affected.
“We encourage customers to think about their comfort and to consider whether their journey is necessary. We will do our best to run as many rail and Tube services as possible and keep customers as comfortable as possible. We expect bus services to run as normal although, during periods of hot weather, we are encouraging customers to carry water with them when they travel on any of our services.
“Please look out for each other while travelling. For the latest information on how TfL services are operating, customers should use TfL's real-time travel tools, including status updates, Journey Planner and TfL Go.”
UK cannot withstand extreme heat of current climate, experts say
20:00 , Harriette BoucherTemperatures of more than 43C are now possible and the UK is not prepared, experts have warned.
Bill McGuire, professor emeritus of geophysical and climate hazards at University College London, said the country’s health services, energy infrastructure and transport are “simply not built for these conditions”.
He added: “As 40+ temperatures become ever more common, expect many thousands sleeping in the streets as poorly insulated homes become uninhabitable heattraps, widespread power cuts as power cables sag and break, transport chaos as rails, overhead wires and signalling fail, and A & E departments overwhelmed by the old, very young, and vulnerable suffering from overheating.”
Richard Allan, professor of climate science at the University of Reading’s meteorology department, said: “A warmer atmosphere’s greater thirst for water also means more rapidly onsetting droughts but also the intensification of extreme rainfall and associated flooding as excess water drained from the soil and oceans is channelled into storms that can often be sparked off by summer heat.
“The reality of global warming talked about when I was young in the 1980s is now playing out, yet the solution to avoid further dangerous climate change remains unchanged – upgrade our industry, transport and agriculture to vanquish greenhouse gas emissions across all sectors of society.”
Schools to close early as others relax uniform rules during extreme heat
19:30 , Harriette Boucher
Schools to close early as others relax uniform rules during extreme heat
NHS 'not prepared' for new climate reality, says health charity
19:00 , Harriette BoucherThe NHS is “not yet prepared” for the new climate reality and vulnerable people are facing greater risks, the director of climate & health at Wellcome warned.
Dr Alan Dangour said: “As the UK gets a rare red heat health warning, this is not just another heatwave – it’s a growing health threat fuelled by climate change. And the NHS is not yet prepared for this new reality.
“Vulnerable people like pregnant women are already facing higher risks, including premature birth, during heatwaves. Simple, practical measures – like keeping maternity wards safely cool and ensuring midwives have clear guidance – could make an immediate difference.
“The health impacts of climate change are already here, and we have an opportunity and responsibility to better protect those most at risk.”
UK heatwave set to shatter June 1976 record as scientists issue ‘dangerous’ 45C warning
18:30 , Harriette BoucherBritain is bracing for a record-breaking heatwave this week, with temperatures set to surpass the historic June 1976 peak by several degrees Celsius.
The Met Office has issued a rare "red warning", anticipating highs of 39C across parts of the South and South East on Wednesday and Thursday. This would shatter the 1976 June record of 35.6C by more than 3C.
This extreme weather coincides with the 50th anniversary of the 1976 heatwave, an event remembered for people putting foil over windows, forced use of street standpipes due to water shortages, failed harvests, and rising food prices.
Experts, who gathered to mark the anniversary, warn that such intense heat events will become increasingly common.
They highlight that the 1976 heatwave occurred in a significantly cooler global climate. Climate change, primarily driven by the burning of fossil fuels that release warming gases, is making extreme heat both more frequent and more severe.
UK heatwave set to shatter 1976 record as scientists issue 45C warning
Multiple weather records to be smashed in England and Wales
18:00 , Harriette BoucherThe current highest temperature on record for June will very likely be broken this week, with 40C forecast in London on Wednesday.
The hottest June day ever currently sits at 35.6C, which was recorded in Southampton in June 1976 and Camden Square in June 1957.
Wales June temperature record of 33.7C, which was set in 2000, is also likely to be broken, the Met Office said.
The June record for Scotland stands at 32.2C and for Northern Ireland it’s 30.8C.
While these are less likely to be broken, the Met Office is still expecting daytime temperatures in the high twenties or low thirties.
The UK will almost definitely experience its hottest day of the year, with temperatures forecast to rise above the 34.8C recorded last month.
If temperatures exceed 40.3C, it could also be the hottest day ever recorded in the UK.
Met Office issues yellow weather warning for thunderstorms this evening
17:45 , Rebecca WhittakerIn addition to heat-health alerts the Met Office has issued a yellow warning for thunderstorms across parts of the South East and South West England, including Reading, Oxford and Bath.
The warning for a cluster of thunderstorms has been put in place until 9pm and could bring “short-lived disruption this evening”, according to the Met Office.
The forecaster warned storms could cause some damage to buildings from lightning strikes or hail, driving conditions may be affected and public transport may be delayed.
It added that short term loss of power and other services is likely as well as possible flooding.
These are the best handheld fans to get you through the summer heatwave
17:30 , Harriette BoucherOur senior tech critic Alex Lee has reviewed the best handheld fans to get you through the muggy British summer, and his top pick doesn’t even cost more than a tenner.
These are the best handheld fans to get you through the summer heatwave
Lightning and heavy rain hit southwest England during heatwave
17:03 , Harriette BoucherWhile many Britons soak up the sun on Monday, some parts of the country are getting battered with rain and lightning.
Areas in Somerset are currently experiencing heavy rain, with hail and further lightning strikes possible this evening.
Southern and eastern parts of Wales are also being hit with rain, which is expected to ease this evening, according to the Met Office.
UK heatwave: 40°C in June must be wake-up call on climate crisis, scientists warn
17:00 , Harriette BoucherOur climate correspondent Nick Ferris writes:
Scientists are warning that politicians are failing to appreciate the magnitude of the climate crisis after The Met Office forecast that temperatures in the UK could hit 40C for just the second time since records began.
Rare red warnings have been issued over extreme temperatures that are this week set to hit record highs for June – smashing the record set in 1976 by several degrees.
The hot conditions will have major knock-on effects for health, schools, workers and transport, with experts warning that the predicted temperatures are “incredibly alarming” and should be seen as a public health threat.
“Our first 40C day was supposed to be a wake-up call, but clearly someone hit snooze,” said Professor Friederike Otto of Imperial College London, referring to the last time the UK hit 40C in 2022.
“Hitting 40C again - and in June this time - would be incredibly alarming.”
Read more here:
40°C in June must be wake-up call on climate crisis, scientists warn
South East Water customers told to only use water for essential purposes
16:30 , Harriette BoucherSouth East Water is urging households to only use water for essential purposes while demand for drinking water is “exceptionally high”.
On Sunday, its customers used 56 million litres more water than usual, and it’s expected that this figure will rise as temperatures get higher.
Households have been told to stop using hosepipes and only use water for hygiene, drinking and cooking.
Thames Water and Anglian Water have also asked customers to “ditch the hosepipe” and reduce their water consumption.
Greenpeace calls on government to act following 'staggering' forecasts
16:10 , Harriette BoucherGreenpeace UK has called on the government to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and hold polluters accountable following today’s “staggering” forecast.
Mel Evans, the organisation’s head of climate, said: “Heatwaves are expected to get longer, hotter and more dangerous to human life, to crops and to wildlife.
“While Greenpeace has long warned of this threat, we now have weather presenters saying they’ve been in tears over the risk to life that climate change poses.
“Ordinary people are increasingly paying the price for extreme heat they didn’t cause while fossil fuel giants continue to rake in billions.
“The Met Office is clear: we must limit emissions to prevent the worst of the risks.
“The Government must take action to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and hold polluters accountable for the escalating havoc they are responsible for here and across the globe.”
More schools announce early closures over heatwave fears
15:50 , Harriette BoucherMore schools have announced they will be sending children home early to protect them from the intense heat forecast this week.
Oaks Park High School in Sutton said it will close at 12.20pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, to keep pupils safe.
“Despite the measures we have put in place to keep classrooms as cool as possible, the forecast temperatures and heat warnings mean that remaining on site for the full school day is likely to become increasingly uncomfortable and potentially unsafe.”
Belmont Junior School in north London has asked parents to collect their children at 1.30pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, but said provision would be in place for those who could not do so.
Parents of pupils at All Saints Benhilton Primary School in Sutton have also been told they can choose to collect their child early at 1.15pm this week.
We reported earlier that Kingdown School in Warminster is sending children home from 12.25 until Friday.
Several other schools are encouraging students to show up in their PE kits to help keep them cool during the heatwave.
In pictures: People in Warwickshire take cover during heatwave
15:31 , Harriette Boucher
Fire chiefs warn of wildlife and open water risks during 'dangerous' heatwave
15:23 , Harriette BoucherFire chiefs are urging the public to be safe outdoors as this week’s “dangerous” heatwave increases the risk of wildfires and water-related deaths.
The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) has told parents and carers to speak to children and young people about the dangers associated with rivers, lakes, reservoirs, canals and quarries, and is reminding people that water temperature can remain dangerously cold despite the warn air temperatures.
Phil Garrigan, the NFCC chairman, said: “We have already seen the consequences that periods of extreme heat can have, with a number of lives tragically lost in water-related incidents during recent hot weather.
“If you are planning to spend time near water, take a moment to think about the risks and make sure you know how to stay safe.”
The fire chiefs also warned of the spiking risk of outdoor fires and wildfires during hot weather, with the latter often caused by everyday activities such as the use of disposable barbecues or carelessly-discarded cigarettes.
Households urged to 'ditch the hosepipe' and reduce water consumption
15:12 , Harriette BoucherWater companies are asking their customers to use their supply wisely this heatwave, and avoid using hosepipes or sprinklers.
Dr Geoff Darch, head of strategic asset planning at Anglian Water, said: “As always, our teams are working round the clock to keep taps flowing across our region, but during hot weather like this, we see a much higher demand for water, which puts pressure on our networks.
“Please think carefully about your water usage and use less water now, to help make sure that you and your community have enough water to go around.”
It has asked customers to “ditch the hosepipe”, not fill up paddling pools completely, and avoid washing cars or patios.
Thames Water has also asked households to use watering cans instead of hosepipes and sprinklers.
It said customers should make “small changes” like fixing leaks, turning off taps when brushing teeth, and watering gardens early in the morning or late in the evening.
Andrew Tucker, the water reduction manager at Thames Water said: “At Thames Water we’re continuing to invest in leak reduction, smart meter installations, water efficiency and mains replacement as part of our biggest upgrade in 150 years for the benefit of our customers and the environment.
“We can’t do this alone, it’s important that customers and businesses work with us to save water where they can and play their part in protecting our vital resources.”
TfL tells commuters to travel with water
15:00 , Harriette BoucherTransport for London is encouraging customers to travel with water when travelling this week.
Carl Eddleston, TfL’s director of streets & network operations, said: “We have a comprehensive hot weather plan in place to protect the network’s infrastructure with resources on standby to help respond to the impact and to keep services running.”
TfL has also told customers feeling unwell to get off at their next stop and seek a member of staff for assistance .
“Please look out for each other while travelling. For the latest information on how TfL services are operating, customers should use TfL's real-time travel tools, including status updates, Journey Planner and TfL Go.”
Pupils being sent home early and told to attend school in PE kit amid heatwave
14:54 , Harriette BoucherA school in Warminster will be closing early this week due to the high temperatures.
Kingdown School has told parents that children will be sent home form 12.25 and after school care clubs will be cancelled.
It has also told students that they can go to school in their PE kit.
Falkland Primary School in Newbury has also told students they can go to school in their PE kit and said it was waiting for advice on early closures.
“With exceptionally high temperatures expected, children are very welcome to attend school in their PE kit this week (closed toe shoes must still be worn for health and safety reasons please).
“We are currently awaiting advice from West Berkshire regarding any potential early closures should temperature forecasts hit 35+.”
Watch: Met Office forecasts 'significant' record-breaking temperatures
14:40 , Harriette BoucherBin collections to begin earlier to protect crew from intense heat
14:17 , Harriette BoucherBin collection crews across the country are hitting the streets earlier this week to avoid the extreme heat.
Cheltenham Borough Council, Somerset Council, and South Kesteven District Council are among those beginning bin collections at 6am. Bristol Waste crews will start at 5am.
Bristol Waste said: “To support our hardworking crews and reduce the impact on your collections, we're starting collections at 5am from Monday to avoid the main heat of the day. Please put your bins and recycling containers by this time on your collection day.”
Cheltenham Borough Council said the earlier starts would be in place until the weekend.
It wrote on X: “Due to the amber warnings of extreme heat , Heat-SWEP is active from today in Cheltenham and is expected to remain in place until Friday 26 June.
“Severe weather emergency protocol (SWEP) is activated to protect people who are rough sleeping during periods of extreme weather.”
Met Office five-day forecast
14:09 , Harriette BoucherToday
The best of the sunshine will be across the southeast, where it will feel increasingly hot and humid. Elsewhere, it will be rather cloudy, with a little showery rain possible at times, particularly across parts of Scotland and northern England.
Tonight
A widely warm night with mostly light winds. There is still a chance of showers across some central areas, but most places will stay dry.
Tuesday
Any showers will soon clear into the North Sea, leaving all parts of the country widely fine, settled and hot. It will feel particularly hot and humid across the south.
Outlook for Wednesday to Friday
Extremely hot and humid in southern and central parts of England and Wales. Strong sunshine at times, but increasingly cloudy by Thursday with showers. Becoming slightly cooler from Friday.
AA warns gritters will be on UK roads this week
14:08 , Harriette BoucherThe AA said drivers could see gritters out on some roads this week with the potential for surfaces to soften or become sticky under the heat, with heavy traffic even causing them to rut in some places.
Edmund King, AA president, said: “The main risk for drivers is not that the road suddenly ‘melts’ everywhere, but that patches can become tacky or uneven. That can affect braking, steering and grip, especially for motorcyclists and cyclists, and can also throw up loose material.
“If drivers come across a softened or damaged surface, they should slow down, avoid harsh braking or steering, and leave extra space from the vehicle in front.”
The AA also warned that heat can put extra strain on vehicles, with under-inflated, damaged or old tires particularly likely to fail in hotter conditions.
“Before a long journey, check tyre pressures, tread and sidewalls, and carry water in case you are delayed,” Mr King said.
“In these temperatures the advice remains never to leave passengers or animals unattended in parked cars even for short periods when the interior of the car can soon get as hot as an oven.”
Europe heatwave mapped: France bans alcohol and Spain cancels sporting events as temperatures soar to 40C
14:00 , Rebecca WhittakerTemperatures are set to rocket above a scorching 40 degrees celsius (C) in Europe this week, as the continent braces for the hottest weather of the year so far.
European countries have restricted public drinking, cancelled transport, concerts, and sporting events, and are preparing to close schools as they urge people to take extreme precaution in what is likely to be a deadly heatwave.
In France, three people have died as extreme heat strikes the country, forcing nearly 2,700 schools to plan closure with temperatures in Bordeaux expected to exceed 42C on Monday.
Read more here by Alex Croft:
Europe heatwave mapped: The holiday hotspots roasting in 40C temperatures
What is a heat dome? How Europe’s scorching temperatures are driving the UK heatwave
13:40 , Harriette BoucherBritain is bracing for a potentially record-breaking heatwave, with temperatures forecast to soar to 39C, prompting extreme heat warnings and health alerts across the country.
A rare red weather warning for extreme heat has been issued for central and southern England and Wales, in effect from 9am on Wednesday until 9pm on Thursday.
The Met Office has cautioned that this week could surpass the 35.6C June record set in Southampton in 1976, with sweltering conditions expected to persist until at least Thursday.
This 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
UK needs to reduce emissions that are driving global warming
13:31 , Rebecca WhittakerThe UK needs to carry on reducing emissions that are driving global warming, Emma Pinchbeck, chief executive of the Climate Change Committee warned.
She stressed that the country also needed to adapt to the kind of “weird heat” forecast for this week.
The committee has recommended cuts of 87% in UK’s greenhouse gas pollution by 2040 on 1990 levels – a proposal the Government has accepted and will be debated by Parliament on Wednesday as temperatures are expected to soar to 39C – and the UK has halved emissions since 1990.
“It’s important that we carry on doing that, because effectively it prevents a world we can’t adapt to,” she said.
But she warned: “Even with action to reduce emissions, this weird heat, these unusual weather events are the world as we will know it. This is going to be much more typical in the UK, even under 2C of warming.
“To make sure we’re protected from that, we need to roll out cooling particularly in places where there are vulnerable people, care homes and hospitals.
“We need regulations to protect workers, particularly those working outdoors in things like construction, and we need to make sure our infrastructure is fit for purpose, so things like our trains continue to run mostly on time,” she said.
On both reducing emissions and adapting the UK to climate change, she said: “This is doable. We just need to do it.”
UK could smash consecutive monthly records for first time in more than a century
13:25 , Harriette Boucher'Vitally important' people understand risk of heatwave, says UKHSA
13:10 , Harriette BoucherIt is “vitally important” that people understand the risk of the intense heat this week, the head of extreme events and health protection at UKHSA warned.
Dr Agostinho Sousa said: “Very hot weather is forecast across large parts of England in the coming days and we are urging health and social care services across the country to ensure they are prepared.
“It is vitally important that people understand the risk posed by high temperatures like these, and take steps to keep themselves and their friends, families and neighbours safe.
“A red heat health alert indicates a risk to life for even the healthy population, but simple actions like staying hydrated, avoiding the sun during the hottest part of the day, and keeping your home cool can make a big difference.
“It’s also important to look out for others, especially elderly relatives, neighbours, and those with underlying health conditions, to make sure they are aware of the forecast and following the necessary advice.”
Climate change is making heatwaves more severe and campaigners are calling for government action
13:09 , Rebecca WhittakerCampaigners warn extreme heatwaves becoming more severe and it is putting lives and wildlife at risk.
Denis Fernando, Friends Of The Earth campaigner, stressed there needs to be “tougher action” from the government.
“Extreme heatwaves are becoming hotter, longer and more severe as climate change intensifies, putting lives, wildlife and ecosystems at severe risk,” he said.
He added: “We can’t cool the planet with sunscreen. We need rapid, tougher government action.
“The UK’s official climate advisers have warned that current government preparations for the climate crisis are ‘inadequate’. That must change.
“Ministers must urgently strengthen the UK’s deficient climate adaptation plans and better protect those most at risk – especially children, older people and disabled people – while also accelerating action to cut the emissions driving the crisis.”
Charity warns heatwave could be deadly for homeless people
12:55 , Harriette BoucherThe heatwave could cause a rise in deaths for homeless people, who are more likely to develop life-threatening heat-related illnesses
Claire Hopkins, the head of specialist rough sleeping services at St Mungo’s, said: “Soaring temperatures can be deadly for those who are sleeping rough.
“On the streets, it can be difficult to access water, sunscreen, and places to shelter from the sun, meaning that those experiencing homelessness have a particularly high risk of developing life-threatening heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion, dehydration, or heat stroke.
“It is right to treat this current heatwave as an emergency. As ever, St Mungo’s teams are prepared to respond to this critical situation.
“We will continue to work tirelessly, with the support of local authorities, to ensure people sleeping rough have access to water, shelter, and sun cream. We will also increase the number of Outreach shifts taking place during this time.
“People can help those who are sleeping rough during the hot weather by offering water or sun cream, and can also contact Streetlink to connect people experiencing homelessness with local support.
“When somebody requires urgent medical assistance, call 999.”
In pictures: Londoners soak up sun as heatwave develops
12:41 , Harriette Boucher
Tropical nights will make it hard for Britons to recover this week
12:30 , Harriette BoucherBritons will suffer through abnormally hot nights this week, with temperatures not expected to dip below 20C, the Met Office warned.
“As well as very high daytime temperatures, there will be consecutive nights where temperatures do not drop below 20C, which is called a Tropical Night,” deputy chief forecaster Mark Sidaway said.
“This will make it very hard for people to recover from the daytime heat, exacerbating the heat stress impacts.”
“Red warnings are reserved for the most severe events and we’re expecting severe and significant impacts from this heatwave, with health impacts likely for many, even beyond those who are normally more vulnerable to the heat.
“The last time the UK recorded temperatures this high was in July 2022, but on this occasion the heat is expected to be accompanied by high humidity.”
'Incredibly alarming' if temperatures hit 40C
12:20 , Harriette BoucherThe UK has not learnt its lesson after temperatures hit 40C in 2022, a climate scientist has warned.
Friederike Otto, a professor at Imperial College London, said: “Our first 40C day was supposed to be a wake-up call, but clearly someone hit snooze. Hitting 40C again – and in June this time – would be incredibly alarming.
“There’s a sad inevitability to all of this, with scientists like me trotting out the same quotes year after year. Yes it’s climate change, yes it’s us, no it’s not El Niño.
“Simply put, we remain on a one-way trip towards a more dangerous future, and it’s time we hit the brakes.
“Right now, children are struggling to finish their exams in sweltering classrooms and the elderly are enduring dangerously hot homes and care facilities with little relief.
“This heat is not an inconvenience, it is a growing public health threat. Every heatwave puts lives at risk, and it’s long past time we treated it with the urgency it demands.”
Exclusive: Super El Niño poses critical threat to 500 million of the world’s farmers, researchers warn
11:49 , Harriette BoucherClimate Correspondent Nick Ferris writes:
The “super” El Niño weather event could see global agricultural output take a $342bn (£260bn) hit, and pose a critical threat to the world’s 500 million smallholder farmers, new research suggests.
El Niño events affect weather patterns globally – and the stronger they are, the more disruptive they can be to human health, agriculture and infrastructure. Forecasters currently suggest that by the winter, this event will become a “very strong” El Niño, sometimes also know as a “super El Niño”.
The figure for the damage to agriculture, shared exclusively with The Independent, was calculated by market research firm Risilience, which carries out climate risk modelling for multinationals including Tesco, Nestle and Zara-owner Inditex. It reflects the value, in last year's prices, of an average scenario for potential losses across 11 major food commodities.
The research is a timely reminder of the threat to both communities in the Global South that depend on rainfed agriculture to survive, and the vulnerability of UK supply chains to extreme weather as the planet heats, according to Andrew William Coburn, a catastrophe modeller at Cambridge University who is also chairman of Risilience.
For campaigners, it is also a reminder of the need for more effective regulation around supply chain due diligence in the UK, which the UK government was supposed to announce earlier this year, but which is now more than two months delayed.
Super El Niño poses critical threat to 500m of the world’s farmers, researchers warn
