The UK sets a new hottest June day record for the third consecutive day as an intense heatwave continues to grip much of the country, highlighting the growing impact of climate change on Europe’s weather patterns. According to the UK Met Office, temperatures reached 36.9°C in Wattisham, Suffolk, surpassing the previous June record of 36.7°C set just a day earlier. The latest milestone comes as the Met Office maintained its highest-level red “extreme heat” warning for an unusual three consecutive days, cautioning about widespread health risks and severe disruptions to public services.

Scientists have repeatedly warned that human-induced climate change is making heatwaves in the UK more frequent, longer-lasting, and significantly more intense, with Europe warming at nearly twice the global average rate.

Record Temperatures Continue to Climb

The record-breaking temperature was recorded in Wattisham, Suffolk, in southeast England, marking the third straight day that the UK’s June temperature record has been broken.

Meteorologists said the exceptional heat is the result of a persistent high-pressure system combined with hot air moving northward from continental Europe. The prolonged heatwave has pushed temperatures well above seasonal averages, prompting widespread warnings for vulnerable populations.

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Health Services Face Growing Pressure

The extreme temperatures have placed significant pressure on healthcare and emergency services across England.

• The London Ambulance Service reported its highest-ever number of life-threatening emergency calls in a single day during the heatwave. Ambulance crews responded to a surge in heat-related illnesses, dehydration, cardiovascular emergencies, and respiratory conditions.
• Hospitals also experienced operational challenges, with several NHS trusts reporting disruptions after MRI scanners, cooling systems, and IT infrastructure struggled to function efficiently under prolonged high temperatures.
• Medical staff who typically work in administrative or specialist roles were temporarily reassigned to frontline duties to manage increased demand.

Health authorities continue to advise people to remain hydrated, avoid strenuous outdoor activity during peak afternoon temperatures, and regularly check on elderly individuals and those with underlying health conditions.

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Schools, Businesses and Tourist Attractions Disrupted

The UK sets a new hottest June day record while schools, businesses, and tourist attractions across the country grapple with the effects of extreme heat.

Hundreds of schools either closed completely or introduced partial closures due to concerns about classroom temperatures and student safety.

• Several iconic London attractions, including Tower Bridge and the Royal Observatory Greenwich, temporarily closed during the red weather warning.
• The British Museum also shortened its operating hours and warned visitors that some galleries could close without notice if indoor temperatures became unsafe.

Local businesses faced similar challenges.

Vendors working at London’s outdoor food markets reported significantly reduced customer footfall as many office workers chose to remain indoors following official public health advice. Food stall operators described working conditions that felt even hotter than official air temperatures because of cooking equipment and limited ventilation.

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Climate Experts Warn Heatwaves Will Become More Common

Climate scientists and public health experts say the latest record demonstrates the urgent need for the UK to improve its resilience to extreme heat.

Researchers have warned that infrastructure, schools, hospitals, workplaces, and public buildings across Britain were largely designed for cooler conditions rather than prolonged periods of extreme heat. The Met Office has cautioned that climate change is increasing both the frequency and intensity of heatwaves across the country, raising the risk of heat-related illness, infrastructure failures, and economic disruption.

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