UK sees hottest June day on record as 36.1C recorded in Hampshire
BBC News 2026-06-25 02:25:26
Context: The UK experienced its hottest June day on record on Wednesday, with temperatures soaring to 36.1C in Gosport, Hampshire, as a severe heatwave continues to affect the country. Hundreds of schools were shut across England and Wales, and transport was disrupted, with train passengers advised to avoid non-essential travel. The heatwave is forecast to continue into Friday, with a further high of about 38C possible.
Key Facts
- The UK recorded a temperature of 36.1C in Gosport, Hampshire, on Wednesday afternoon, breaking the previous June record of 35.6C set in Southampton in 1976 and Camden in 1957.
- A red extreme heat warning issued by the Met Office across parts of south and central England and south Wales remains in place until 23:59 BST on Thursday, indicating a risk to life for even the healthy population.
- The heatwave has led to widespread disruption, including the closure of over 800 schools in England, and transport disruptions, with train operators advising passengers to make only essential journeys.
- The Met Office's chief scientist, Professor Stephen Belcher, said that climate change has led to more frequent and intense heatwaves, and that temperatures like those seen in the UK in June are "sobering".
- The UK Health Security Agency has issued a red heat-health alert, which remains in place until 23:00 on Thursday, warning of a risk to life and advising people to take simple actions to stay safe, such as staying hydrated and keeping their homes cool.