The hottest June day record has been smashed again after the Met Office extended its rare red weather warning for extreme heat in London and the South East.
A provisional temperature of 36.7 was reached in Merryfield, Somerset, on Thursday, exceeding yesterday’s record of 36.1C at Gosport, Hampshire.
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.
Hundreds of thousands of people have come under a hosepipe ban in Kent as the extreme heatwave drives record demand for water.
South East Water is urging its 850,000 customers in the county to immediately follow the restrictions, which will be enforced from 3 July.
It follows the hottest June night on record in the UK after overnight temperatures in Cardiff failed to drop below 23.5C.
Train passengers have been told to only travel if necessary, as commuters face significant travel delays and cancellations amid the red weather warning.
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
- Red weather warning extended to Friday in capital and southeast
- Hosepipe ban in Kent amid 'exceptionally high' water demand
- Heatwave continues to cause travel chaos
- More than 10 people taken to hospital after being stranded on M25 in extreme heat
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.”
In pictures: Londoners brave the Tube during record-high temperatures
10:20 , Harriette Boucher
Where bin collection rules are changing due to UK heatwave
10:12 , Harriette Boucher
Where bin collection rules are changing due to UK heatwave
Mapped: Where weather warnings are in place as another scorching day forecast
10:02 , Harriette Boucher
What is a hosepipe ban and why has it been introduced in Kent?
09:43 , 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.
Breaking: Kent households come under hosepipe ban amid 'exceptionally high' water demand
09:29 , Harriette BoucherKent households have come under a hosepipe ban as demand for water reaches “exceptionally high levels”.
South East Water has asked customers to follow the restrictions immediately, saying they will be enforced from 00:01 on 3 July.
“Following a sustained period of hot, dry weather, demand for water across Kent has reached exceptionally high levels. While we’ve worked to sustain supplies, the continued pressure on our network means we now need to reduce non-essential water use.
“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.”
Heatwave commute: Tube passengers swelter in 40°C conditions
09:20 , Harriette BoucherOnly use water for essential purposes, households told
09:12 , Harriette BoucherCustomers are being urged to only use water when necessary, as demand surges during the UK’s record-breaking heatwave.
South East Water has asked households to only use water for essential purposes, like hygiene, drinking and cooking.
It has asked customers to pause all hose use, including for refilling paddling pools, hot tubs and jet washing.
Anglian Water has also told its customers to “ditch the hosepipe” and use a watering can instead.
Dr Geoff Darch, head of strategic asset planning at Anglian Water, said: “We need our customers’ support to keep taps flowing.
“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.”
Thames Water said it was encouraging households to make small changes by fixing leaks, turning off taps when brushing teeth, using watering cans instead of hosepipes and sprinklers, and watering gardens early in the morning or late in the evening.
Nearly 50 killed in France heatwave
08:59 , Harriette BoucherAt least 48 people have died during the intense heatwave in France, including two young children were killed by heat in a car.
Authorities said dozens died drowning while trying to cool off in the water.
Temperatures in Paris hit a June record of 40.9C, a day after France recorded its hottest day since records began nearly 80 years ago, when temperatures peaked at 44.3C in the southwestern town of Pissos.
London’s Tower Bridge among major UK attractions closed during extreme heatwave
08:55 , Harriette BoucherTop 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:
London’s Tower Bridge among major UK attractions closed during extreme heatwave
Mayor unveils 'heat plan' to help Londoners during heatwave
08:48 , 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.
Full list of schools closing or shutting early as heatwave scorches
08:45 , Harriette Boucher
Full list of schools closing or shutting early during heatwave
Schools should stay open 'as a priority', education secretary says
08:43 , Harriette BoucherThe government is encouraging schools to stay open “as a priority” during the heatwave.
Bridget Phillipson said it was "really important” for pupils to stay in school, even when the hot weather e hot weather is "really difficult for children and staff".
She told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that Labour was investing in schools to get “better equipped to deal with these kinds of events in the future", but that the government inherited a ‘huge backlog’ of repairs.”
Hottest June night ever after temperatures in Cardiff didn't drop below 23.5C
08:26 , Harriette BoucherHeatwave continues to cause travel chaos
07:58 , Harriette BoucherCommuters are continuing to face significant travel delays and cancellations as the extreme heat causes disruption across roads and railways.
Train passengers have been told to only travel if necessary on Thursday and Friday in areas most affected by extreme heat.
Network Rail said trains will operate at reduced speeds and services will be cut for “safety reasons”.
Jake Kelly, deputy chief executive of Network Rail, said: “Very high temperatures, like we are seeing in Great Britain and across parts of Europe, put significant strain on the railway, so our priority is to keep passengers safe while keeping services running.
“We’re asking passengers to think carefully about their plans and only travel if it’s absolutely necessary in the areas most affected areas by the extremely high temperatures that are being recorded.”
Transport for London said disruption to Tube and rail services was expected, particularly the London Overground and Elizabeth line.
National Rail has also reported delays across its network and urged people to carry water with them when they travel.
Meanwhile, more than 10 people were taken to hospital after being stranded in their cars on the M25 near Surrey on Wednesday.
A double decker electric bus was also destroyed after it caught on fire at a bus depot in Westbourne Park.
More than 10 people taken to hospital after being stranded on M25 in extreme heat
07:42 , Harriette BoucherMore than 10 people were taken to hospital after being stuck in their cars in the extreme heat on Wednesday.
At least one person was airlifted to the hospital due to dehydration.
South East Coast Ambulance Service said it responded to a number of patients stranded in traffic on the M25 near Surrey following an earlier road traffic collision, which resulted in road closures.
“The resulting congestion has been severe and prolonged, with some vehicles stationary for several hours during today’s Red Heat Alert.
“This has resulted in a number of calls from people suffering from heat related illnesses including a number of coach passengers.”
Labour MP Tony Vaughan took to social media to ask Surrey Police and National Highways for help.
“A constituent has been stuck on the M25 near Oxted for 8 hours. It is 40 degrees in her car. She has kids with her. She is running out of water. The person from the car in front has been airlifted to hospital with dehydration. Police seem to be saying it’s not their job to give out water.”
London bus catches on fire during heatwave
07:26 , Harriette BoucherA double decker electric bus was destroyed after it caught on fire during London’s hottest day.
Four fire engines and 25 firefighters were called to Western Road in Westbourne Park at 6.23pm on Wednesday.
London Fire Brigade said the incident was under control by 7.11pm.
No injuries have been reported, but two electric vehicle charging points were also destroyed.
The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Brigade's fire investigation team.
Temperature could continue to rise as heatwave brings record-breaking figures
07:17 , Harriette BoucherThe heatwave brought record-breaking temperatures on Wednesday, but forecasters warn they could rise even higher.
A rare red warning for extreme heat has been issued by the Met Office as the UK has sweltered in exceptionally hot and humid conditions.
Provisional figures suggest the temperature reached 36.1C in Gosport, Hampshire, breaking the previous June record from the summer of 1976.
The heatwave forecast is set to continue on Thursday and Friday, and the Met Office said it is possible the figure could be “beaten again”.
Wednesday’s high breaks the previous top temperature for June of 35.6C in 1976 and 1957, the forecaster said.
Temperature could continue to rise as heatwave brings record-breaking figures
Met Office five-day forecast
07:15 , 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.
