A four-day heat warning begins as UK temperatures could reach 38°C / Image – File
The UK is bracing for one of the most intense June heatwaves on record after the Met Office extended its extreme heat warning by four days, with temperatures expected to rise to 38C in parts of England this week.Meteorologists say the heatwave will escalate from Monday before peaking on Wednesday and Thursday, bringing not only exceptional daytime temperatures, but also uncomfortable humidity and unusually warm nights. The warning now covers large parts of England and Wales, reflecting growing confidence that the heatwave will become a major weather event with impacts on health, transport, infrastructure and water supplies.The latest forecasts suggest this could be the hottest period of weather we’ve seen so far this year, and could challenge long-standing June temperature records that have stood for decades.Temperatures are expected to rise across southern and eastern England, with thermometers could rise to 34C on Monday, around 37C on Tuesday and possibly as high as 38C on Wednesday and Thursday. Some weather models even indicated a small possibility of temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius.
The current June temperature record in the United Kingdom is 35.6 degrees Celsius, and was set in Southampton in 1976 and Camden Square in London in 1957. Meteorologists say there is growing confidence that this record can be broken in the coming days.While the most extreme conditions are expected in southern England, temperatures will also rise well above average in most parts of the country, bringing sweltering conditions in areas that have so far been spared the worst of this summer’s temperatures.The Met Office has extended its extreme heat warning, which will remain in force from Monday to Thursday. The warning covers a large part of England and parts of Wales and highlights the potential for widespread impacts on daily life.The UK’s Health Security Agency has also issued heat health alerts, warning that the elderly, young children and those with existing health conditions may face increased health risks during the heatwave.Deputy Chief Meteorologist Tom Crabtree described the developing conditions as a “severe and impactful weather event”, warning that the combination of heat and humidity could put a strain on public services, transport networks, energy systems and water supplies.Authorities advise people to stay hydrated, avoid strenuous activities during the hottest parts of the day, and check on vulnerable family members, neighbors and friends.One factor that makes this heat wave particularly worrisome is the lack of overnight relief.Meteorologists are predicting widespread “tropical nights” across southern England, where temperatures could remain above 20C overnight. Such conditions can make sleep difficult and increase health risks, especially for frail people.Transport operators and local authorities are also preparing for any possible disruption.
Higher temperatures could affect rail and road infrastructure and public transport services, while increased demand for electricity could put additional pressure on energy networks.Water safety experts have also issued warnings as more people head to beaches, rivers and lakes in search of relief. Previous heatwaves have seen a rise in water-related incidents, leading to renewed calls for caution around open water.Meteorologists say this week’s weather event has the potential to enter the record books.The Met Office believes there is a realistic chance of setting a new temperature record in June, while some forecasts indicate that the temperature will be above 37 degrees Celsius for three consecutive days, something that has never been recorded before in June.Climate experts point out that extreme heat events are becoming more frequent and more intense. The UK had its hottest June on record in 2025, and scientists say climate change is increasing the likelihood of extreme heatwaves early in the summer.Although temperatures are expected to ease slightly by Friday, many parts of England may remain in the low 30s, meaning the heat could persist even after the official warning period ends.(This is one of the top Google Trends topics.)
