Heavy rain and lightning hit the UK overnight, with multiple thunderstorm warnings remaining in place across the country on Friday morning.
The record for the hottest June day could be smashed again, as the Met Office forecasts an “exceptional spell of hot and humid weather” to continue in the southeast.
A high of 40C is forecast in parts of Norfolk this afternoon, which would exceed yesterday’s record-breaking 36.7C in Merryfield, Somerset.
The rare red warning for extreme heat is in place until 9pm for London & South East England and the East of England.
According to the Met Office, the heat will be accompanied by “high humidity, exacerbating the potential for discomfort and health impacts”.
A wildfire tore through large areas of moorland and woodland near Greater Manchester on Thursday night, sending plumes of thick smoke across the villages of Tintwistle, Hollingworth and Woolley Bridge.
The extreme weather also 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.
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Hosepipe ban map: Is my area under restrictions during record UK heatwave?
Key Points
- Mapped: What weather warnings are in force on Friday?
- Three hospitals declared critical incidents amid extreme heat
- Where could temperatures hit 40C today?
- Red weather warning extended to Friday in capital and southeast
- Hosepipe ban in Kent amid 'exceptionally high' water demand
- Wildfire tears through moorlands near Greater Manchester
Full list of schools closing or shutting early as heatwave scorches
09:36 , Maryam Zakir-HussainHundreds of schools in England and Wales are being forced to send children home this week as the UK continues to grapple with extreme temperatures.
Teachers have expressed concern for their students’ safety during the heatwave, with many schools remaining closed amid forecasts of further extreme heat.
Here is a full list:
Full list of schools closing or shutting early during heatwave
Hosepipe ban map: Is my area under restrictions during record UK heatwave?
09:14 , 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.
Read more here:
Hosepipe ban map: Is my area under restrictions during record UK heatwave?
Another tropical night as temperatures stayed above 22C
09:05 , Maryam Zakir-HussainTemperatures in southern areas of England and Wales did not drop below 22C all night, Met Office figures show.
London at 2am was still heating up at 23C south west of London at 2am, and remained at around 25C around the south eastern coast.
A tropical night is the meteorological term for an evening when the temperature does not drop below 20C.
Watch: Sky glows orange as ferocious wildfire rages near Glossop
08:56 , Maryam Zakir-HussainAvoid non-essential travel across much of England, train passengers told
08:42 , Maryam Zakir-HussainTrain passengers are being urged to avoid non-essential travel across much of England on Friday because of extreme heat.
Network Rail said services operating in the Met Office’s red and amber zones should only be used “if absolutely necessary”.
The red area – which is in place until 9pm – covers London and other parts of the South East.
The wider amber zone stretches from the south coast up to the North West and South Yorkshire, and is in force all day.
South Western Railway (SWR), which serves a number of popular coastal destinations in Dorset and Hampshire, including Bournemouth, issued a plea for people to avoid non-essential travel to beaches.
Like many operators across Britain, it has reduced its timetable on Friday and services that do run are expected to be busier than usual.
Stuart Meek, chief operating officer for SWR and Network Rail Wessex, said: “While it might be tempting to head down to the beach to enjoy the sunshine, we strongly urge customers to heed our advice to avoid getting stranded.”
Passengers with a ticket for Friday can use it at a different time or on another day up to and including Tuesday June 30 at no extra cost.
Alternatively they can obtain a refund without paying an admin fee.
Ambulance chief warns people to 'drink responsibly' as sweltering heat continues
08:35 , Maryam Zakir-HussainA chief at the country’s largest ambulance service has warned people to drink responsibly and avoid exercising outside amid a punishing heatwave which has seen record-breaking temperatures for June.
The London Ambulance Service (LAS) responded to its highest number of life-threatening emergencies ever on Wednesday, and its chief operating officer Craig Harman said they expect “demand to grow day on day over the next couple of days”.
He said that it is not just the elderly and people with underlying health conditions affected by the heat, adding: “I’m saying to people I need you to drink water even when you’re not thirsty, staying out of the sun during the hottest parts of the day, and particularly not exercising outside and putting your body under additional heat and strain.”
Wildfire tears through moorlands near Greater Manchester
08:26 , Maryam Zakir-HussainA wildfire has torn through large areas of moorland and woodland near Greater Manchester, sending plumes of thick smoke across the villages of Tintwistle, Hollingworth and Woolley Bridge.
The wildfire, which erupted on Thursday night, has affected around 500 square metres.
Crews from Derbyshire and Greater Manchester attempted to tackle the flames overnight, but the fire rages on this morning.
UK grid operator makes fresh call for power as heatwave goes on
08:20 , Maryam Zakir-HussainThe body which operates Britain’s electricity network has made another industry call for more power generation as the week’s heatwave rages on.
The National Energy System Operator (Neso) said electricity supplies may be squeezed on Friday.
Neso, which is tasked with making sure the supply of electricity matches demand for it, issued a so-called electricity margin notice for between 7pm and 10pm.
It is asking for 700 megawatts (MW) of power generation as a buffer to cover an expected shortfall in electricity margins.
It is the second time this week that Neso has issued a call for more power, having done the same before Wednesday.
However, the grid operator cancelled the warning shortly after 2pm on Wednesday, indicating it was confident in power supply levels for the evening.
A spokesman for Neso said its forecasts were showing “tight margins on the electricity system” for Friday evening.“This is due to the impact of extremely high temperatures affecting Great Britain and the continent,” it said.
Where could temperatures hit 40C today?
08:05 , Harriette BoucherBritons are due for another record-breaking day, as temperatures are expected to climb to 40C in the southeast of England.
The hottest weather is forecast in parts of Norfolk and Suffolk, which will likely experience the hottest June day ever, smashing yesterday’s record of 36.7C.
If temperatures go above 40.3C, it will be the hottest day ever recorded in the UK.
Britons will struggle to put food on table as heatwaves become the norm, scientists warn
08:03 , Harriette BoucherClimate scientists have warned that Britons will struggle to put food on the table within a matter of years, as heatwaves escalate and harvests continue to fail.
University of Oxford professor Paul Behrens has urged the government to act on the food security “crisis” he says the UK is facing, saying extreme weather events will continue to send food prices skyrocketing.
His message comes amid a heatwave that has smashed several records in the UK and prompted experts to issue stark warnings about increasingly frequent extreme heat events.
“Farmers are contending with an endless sequence of really extreme rain, heat, drought, and storm events, and this is all affecting the way in which we're growing food,” Mr Behrens told The Independent.
“We've seen yields first stagnate and then drop in the country. We're seeing farmers struggling with feeding animals during floods, because if the animals can't go to pasture, then they have to buy and feed during the winter.”
Britons will struggle to put food on table as heatwaves ramp up, scientists warn
Avoid non-essential travel across much of England, train passengers told
07:57 , Harriette BoucherTrain passengers are being urged to avoid non-essential travel across much of England on Friday because of extreme heat.
Network Rail said services operating in the Met Office’s red and amber zones should only be used “if absolutely necessary”.
The red area – which is in place until 9pm – covers London and other parts of the South East.
The wider amber zone stretches from the south coast up to the North West and South Yorkshire, and is in force all day.
South Western Railway (SWR), which serves a number of popular coastal destinations in Dorset and Hampshire, including Bournemouth, issued a plea for people to avoid non-essential travel to beaches.
Like many operators across Britain, it has reduced its timetable on Friday and services that do run are expected to be busier than usual.
Stuart Meek, chief operating officer for SWR and Network Rail Wessex, said: “While it might be tempting to head down to the beach to enjoy the sunshine, we strongly urge customers to heed our advice to avoid getting stranded.”
Met Office five-day forecast
07:54 , Harriette BoucherToday
Rather cloudy across Scotland with outbreaks of rain and thunderstorms, accompanied by hail and gusty winds. Elsewhere, some early showers, then dry with sunny spells. Extreme heat transferring to eastern England, with temperatures further west dropping slightly.
Tonight
Rain slowly clearing Scotland. Heavy, possibly thundery, showers cross the southeast in the second half of the night. Dry with clear spells elsewhere. Warm, but slightly cooler than previous nights.
Saturday
Showers, possibly thundery, in the east and southeast. Rain slowly edging into the northwest. Sunny spells elsewhere. Still hot in the southeast, but temperatures lower than of late.
Outlook for Sunday to Tuesday
Showery rain edging east on Sunday with cooler, fresher conditions following. Mostly dry with sunny spells from Monday, but occasional rain or showers in the northwest. Temperatures nearer to average.
Mapped: What weather warnings are in force on Friday?
07:37 , Harriette BoucherA series of weather warnings are in place across the country today, with heavy rain, lightning, and extreme heat forecast.
Scotland is under a yellow thunderstorm warning for the entire day, while Northern Ireland, Wales, and large swathes of north and east England are under the warning until 10am.
Meanwhile, an “exceptional spell of hot and humid weather” will continue in London & South East England and the East of England, where a red warning for extreme heat is in place until 9pm.
An amber warning for extreme heat is in force in areas in southeastern England until 9pm tomorrow.
Record-breaking heatwave virtually impossible 50 years ago, scientists warn
07:28 , Harriette BoucherThe June heatwave gripping the UK and Europe would have been virtually impossible in 1976, with climate change fuelling extreme heat, analysis shows.
A rapid assessment of the extremely hot and humid conditions over much of north, western and central Europe found it was the most severe heatwave ever recorded across the region.
The UK has seen temperatures break June records dating back to the infamous summer of 1976, while France has recorded its hottest day ever and temperatures have soared elsewhere in Europe, with widespread disruption and pressure on people’s health.
The analysis found both the daytime highs and overnight temperatures seen during the current heatwave would be virtually impossible at this time of year under the climate of 50 years ago.
A similar heatwave occurring in the climate of 1976 would be 3.5C cooler, the scientists from the World Weather Attribution group said.
The scientists also said the sweltering overnight temperatures keeping many people awake are about 100 times more likely today than they were just 23 years ago during the deadly 2003 European heatwave, and the daytime peaks are about 10 times more likely.
The humidity seen in the current heatwave is a growing danger, they warned, with nearly half (45%) of 854 cities across 30 European countries breaking or expected in late June to break their “wet bulb globe temperature” record – a measure of heat stress and the body’s ability to cool itself through sweating.
For the UK and Ireland, heat stress records were broken in more than half the cities in the analysis.
Heatwave threatens 12 million people living with lung conditions in UK
06:00 , Maryam Zakir-HussainAndrew McCracken, director of external affairs at Asthma + Lung UK, said: “The health impacts of climate change are impossible to ignore. NHS trusts are now declaring critical incidents as record-breaking temperatures damage our health – including the air we breathe.
“Heatwaves are a real threat to the 12 million people living with lung conditions in the UK. The soaring temperatures pose a double danger – not only does the heat make it harder to breathe, but it worsens air quality by increasing the amount of ozone and particulate pollution in the atmosphere.
“The government can do something to change this, by delivering on its promise of a new Clean Air Act – protecting people from dangerous heat wave pollution and cutting the emissions that make these extreme events more frequent.”
Do hot drinks cool you down in a heatwave?
05:00 , Maryam Zakir-HussainStudies 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.
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
Friday 26 June 2026 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'
Thursday 25 June 2026 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?
Thursday 25 June 2026 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
Thursday 25 June 2026 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?
Thursday 25 June 2026 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
Thursday 25 June 2026 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
Thursday 25 June 2026 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
Thursday 25 June 2026 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
Thursday 25 June 2026 19:50 , Harriette BoucherThree hospitals declared critical incidents amid extreme heat
Thursday 25 June 2026 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?
Thursday 25 June 2026 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
Thursday 25 June 2026 19:18 , Rebecca WhittakerRecap: Series of thunderstorm warnings issued with heavy rain and lightning on way
Thursday 25 June 2026 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
Thursday 25 June 2026 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.
Heatstroke symptoms: Key signs to look out for amid red weather warning
Thursday 25 June 2026 13:00 , Harriette BoucherHosepipe ban map: Is my area under restrictions during UK heatwave?
Thursday 25 June 2026 12:43 , Harriette Boucher Hosepipe ban map: Is my area under restrictions during record UK heatwave?
Cobra meeting held to respond to extreme heatwave
Thursday 25 June 2026 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
Thursday 25 June 2026 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
Thursday 25 June 2026 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
Thursday 25 June 2026 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
Thursday 25 June 2026 11:43 , Harriette Boucher
Temperatures of Central London pavements climb close to 60C
Thursday 25 June 2026 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
Thursday 25 June 2026 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
Thursday 25 June 2026 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?
Thursday 25 June 2026 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
Thursday 25 June 2026 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.”
