UK June heat record broken for third day as ministers urged to act
The UK broke its June maximum temperature record for the third consecutive day on Friday, with a provisional 37.3C in Santon Downham, Suffolk, as an extreme heat weather warning remained in force across much of England and Wales. MPs warn ministers must act urgently on overheating schools, hospitals and transport before cooler weather arrives.
Parliament's Environmental Audit Committee chair Toby Perkins said the country was facing heat levels that were once unthinkable, with the government falling "far short of what is needed" to protect people from a crisis he called a silent killer. The record-breaking spell unfolded as western Europe endured its worst heatwave on record, linked by scientists to global heating.
Key Takeaways
- A provisional 37.3C at Santon Downham, Suffolk, topped Thursday's 36.7C at Merryfield, Somerset — the third day the June record fell.
- At least 1,400 schools across England and Wales fully or partially closed, with National Rail advising people to avoid non-essential travel.
- MPs demand answers on workplace heat limits, cooling for vulnerable people, and overheating in hospitals, care homes and schools.
- BBC Weather forecasts fresher Atlantic air from the west this weekend, with the heatwave ending for all on Sunday.
- An amber Met Office extreme heat warning runs until 21:00 on Saturday across south-east England and East Anglia.
Why did the UK break its June heat record three days in a row?
The highest maximum temperature for June was broken on three consecutive days this week. After Thursday's peak of 36.7C at Merryfield, Somerset, two further Friday readings exceeded that mark before Santon Downham registered 37.3C — the first time June temperatures provisionally passed 37C in the UK.
High pressure had locked in sunshine and heat across England and Wales, while a Met Office red extreme heat warning covered London and south-east England. Climate minister Katie White told MPs on Wednesday: "If anyone still thinks that climate change is a problem for tomorrow, they should step outside today."
How is the extreme heat affecting transport and schools?
Disruption spread across the rail network as steel tracks expanded in the heat. National Rail advised passengers to avoid non-essential travel, and operators reported widespread delays and cancellations.
Transport for London reported severe delays on the Elizabeth Line and District Line. Southern Railways suspended the Gatwick Express between London Victoria and Brighton, while Great Western Railway, Northern and Transport for Wales all cut services. At least 1,400 schools across England and Wales were fully or partially closed, and a wildfire in the Peak District burned around 200 hectares before being brought under control.
When will the UK heatwave end?
Relief is on the way. According to BBC Weather, cooler air will move across the UK this weekend, though eastern and south-eastern England will remain hot through Saturday under an amber extreme heat warning valid until 21:00.
Westerly winds and a weak cold front will sweep fresher Atlantic air in by Sunday, when the heatwave officially ends for all regions. Temperatures will drop to the mid-teens in Scotland and Northern Ireland and the low to mid-twenties across England and Wales — closer to seasonal averages after days of exceptional heat.
What action are ministers being urged to take?
Perkins demanded answers from environment secretary Emma Reynolds on tackling overheating in buildings, establishing maximum workplace temperatures, prescribing air conditioning for vulnerable people, and adjusting school timetables during extreme heat. He warned of devastating effects on hospitals, care homes, schools, transport, water, food and IT systems, and said significant deaths were likely.
The Climate Change Committee has warned for more than a decade that UK adaptation plans are inadequate, estimating 92% of existing homes will overheat within about 20 years. A government spokesperson said ministers were considering the committee's latest recommendations, while investing in clean power and homes designed to minimise unwanted heat — though Perkins said the next national adaptation programme, due in 2028, must be a step change. For more on how technology and infrastructure are reshaping our response to climate extremes, see our Future Tech & AI Wonders coverage.