Hundreds of schools plan closures ahead of red heat alerts
Hundreds of schools planned to close at least partially and several train operators, including Britain’s largest, warned people not to travel unless necessary as temperatures rose.
The highest temperature recorded on Tuesday was 34.6 degrees in Wisley, Surrey. Northern Ireland and Scotland experienced the hottest days of the year, with temperatures reaching 28.1C and 29C respectively, while Wales reached 32.2C.
The heatwave is expected to increase, with temperatures expected to rise to around 37 or 38C in southern England later on Wednesday.
A red extreme heat warning has been issued for parts of England and Wales until Thursday evening, meaning life is at risk.
A rare red extreme heat warning is expected from 9am on Wednesday until 9pm on Thursday, meaning exceptionally hot and humid weather will occur across parts of southern and central England and south Wales, according to the Met Office.
It is not out of the question that southern England will see a maximum of 39C on Wednesday.
High humidity levels will make conditions even more uncomfortable; While the air temperature may be 35C, it may feel more like 41C.
The forecast warns that there is a risk of serious illness or life-threatening in affected areas. Loss of other essential services, such as power and water, is also likely due to the increased risk of failure of heat-sensitive systems and equipment.
The report states that many more people are likely to visit coastal areas, lakes and rivers, leading to an increased risk of water safety incidents.
The UK record for hottest June temperature (35.6C in 1976) is likely to be broken, but maximum temperatures will fall short of the all-time high of 40.3C set in 2022.
Britain was forecast to experience its warmest June day on Tuesday, but temperatures were around 2C or 3C lower than forecast in south-east England after heavy overnight rainfall and flash flooding in some places.
Night temperatures will remain high this week, with some places not falling below 20C, resulting in what is known as a tropical night.
