UK heatwave breaks 50-year temperature record for June

Wednesday recorded the UK’s hottest June day, with 35.8C breaking the standard set in 1976.

Wiggonholt in West Sussex broke its June temperature record twice, recording 35.8 degrees, the Met Office said.

This comes after 35.7 degrees were recorded in Charlwood, Surrey, on Wednesday afternoon.

Both high temperatures surpassed the previous highest temperature of 35.6C in 1976 and 1957.

Large parts of England and Wales have been sweltered by hot and humid conditions, prompting a rare red alert from the Met Office.

Triggered by a “heat dome” over Western Europe, this heat wave led to health warnings, school closures and transport disruptions. Click HERE for the latest updates on the heatwave.

Experts warn that the fall from a 50-year record highlights that climate change driven by the burning of fossil fuels is leading to increasingly frequent and intense heatwaves for which the UK is unprepared.

More to follow…

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