Hundreds of schools in the United Kingdom are preparing for partial or full closures as the nation anticipates a significant rise in temperatures, with a red extreme heat warning in effect for parts of England and Wales until Thursday evening. Multiple train operators, including the country's largest, have advised the public to avoid non-essential travel.
On Tuesday, the mercury reached 34.6C (94.3F) in Wisley, Surrey. Northern Ireland and Scotland recorded their hottest days of the year, with temperatures peaking at 28.1C (82.6F) and 29C (84.2F) respectively. Wales saw a high of 32.2C (90F).
The heatwave is forecast to intensify, with temperatures expected to reach approximately 37C to 38C (98.6F to 100.4F) in southern England on Wednesday. The Met Office has issued a rare red extreme heat warning, signifying a danger to life, for parts of south and central England and south Wales from 9:00 AM BST on Wednesday to 9:00 PM BST on Thursday. Southern England could experience highs of up to 39C (102.2F) on Wednesday.
High humidity levels are expected to exacerbate the heat, making conditions feel significantly warmer than the air temperature. The Met Office warns of a risk of serious illness or danger to life in the affected regions. The potential for failure of heat-sensitive systems and equipment also raises concerns about disruptions to essential services like power and water.
Authorities anticipate an increase in visitors to coastal areas, lakes, and rivers, leading to a heightened risk of water safety incidents.
While the record for the UK's highest June temperature, 35.6C (96.1F) set in 1976, is likely to be surpassed, the maximum temperatures are not expected to reach the all-time UK record of 40.3C (104.5F) set in 2022. Tuesday's forecast for the UK's hottest June day was slightly lower than predicted in southeast England, following intense overnight rainfall and localized flash flooding.
Overnight temperatures are also expected to remain high, with some areas experiencing temperatures that do not fall below 20C (68F), a phenomenon known as a tropical night.