- The UK is experiencing a severe heatwave, with a provisional temperature of 36.1C recorded in Gosport, Hampshire, on Wednesday, breaking the previous June record from 1976.
- The Met Office has issued rare red warnings for extreme heat across a wide area, including London, the south coast, Swansea, Somerset, and Birmingham, indicating significant disruption to daily life.
- The exceptional heat is forecast to continue and spread northwards through Thursday and Friday, with the possibility of even higher temperatures that could rank among the hottest days on record.
- The heatwave, caused by a 'heat-dome' over western Europe, has led to widespread health alerts, the closure or partial closure of at least 1,000 schools, and significant transport disruption, with Network Rail advising against non-essential travel.
- In response to increasingly frequent heatwaves, the Mayor of London has launched 'Heat Ready London', the capital's first heat plan, focusing on expanding access to public drinking water and blue spaces.
IN FULL
Temperature could continue to rise as heatwave brings record-breaking figures
