Britain Bakes: Temperatures Soar Past 32°C as First UK Region Declares Heatwave

The United Kingdom is currently experiencing its hottest day of the year, with temperatures soaring past 32°C, signaling the onset of an early-season heatwave across parts of the country. Suffolk became the first area to officially meet the heatwave criteria on Thursday, marking three consecutive days where temperatures exceeded 27°C. The mercury hit a scorching 32.2°C in Kew and Heathrow, London, surpassing the previous 2025 record of 29.4°C set in Suffolk on June 13th. This escalating heat, driven by a high-pressure system drawing warm air from Western Europe, is prompting widespread concern and a series of health alerts across England.
The rising temperatures are not confined to the south-east. Wales also recorded its hottest day of the year so far on Thursday, with temperatures reaching 30.2°C in Trawsgoed and Cardiff. Northern Ireland saw a new 2025 record of 25.7°C in Castlederg, while Glasgow Bishopton in Scotland reached 24.4°C. Forecasters at the Met Office predict the heat will intensify further, with central and eastern England bracing for peak temperatures of up to 33°C on Saturday, and some models even suggesting a possible high of 34°C. The prolonged spell of warmth is also expected to bring "tropical nights" over the weekend, where temperatures remain above 20°C, making it challenging for people to cool down and sleep.
The swift escalation in temperatures has triggered a range of warnings from health and emergency services. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued amber heat health alerts across the entire country, effective until Monday morning. This signifies a heightened risk to public health, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly, young children, and individuals with pre-existing medical conditions like heart or lung issues. The UKHSA has explicitly warned of likely increased pressures on health and social care services as a direct consequence of the hot weather. This early-season heatwave is particularly concerning as people may not yet be acclimatized to such high temperatures, making them more susceptible to heat-related illnesses.
Historically, June has seen significant heatwaves in the UK. The record for the hottest June temperature stands at 35.6°C, reached in Camden Square, north London, on June 29, 1957, and again in Mayflower Park, Southampton, on June 28, 1976. While the current temperatures are not yet challenging these all-time records, the rapid onset and the extent of the heat across the country are notable. Last year, in June 2024, temperatures climbed as high as 30.5°C in Wisley, Surrey. The 30°C mark has been surpassed in June in eight of the last ten years, indicating a growing trend of warmer early summers. The Met Office has highlighted that the average warmest June on record was in 2023, with a mean temperature of 15.8°C across the month.
The immediate impacts of this heatwave are already being felt. Regional fire services have issued urgent warnings about water safety, urging caution around open water bodies as people seek relief from the heat. There's also a heightened risk of wildfires, especially given the dry conditions following one of the driest springs on record. London Fire Brigade, for instance, has emphasized the rapid spread of fires in "tinder dry" grass. The British Heart Foundation (BHF) has advised individuals with heart conditions to take extra precautions, as high temperatures can place additional strain on the cardiovascular system. Similarly, Age UK has encouraged the public to check in on older relatives, friends, and neighbours, who may be more vulnerable to the effects of heat.
In response to the escalating situation, public health advice is being widely disseminated. The core message revolves around staying hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, avoiding strenuous physical activity during the hottest parts of the day (typically between 11 am and 3 pm), and seeking shade. People are advised to wear light, loose-fitting clothing and hats when outdoors, and to use sunscreen to protect against harmful UV rays, which are also expected to climb alongside temperatures. Keeping indoor spaces cool is crucial, by closing windows and curtains during the day and opening them at night when the air is cooler. For those with vulnerable individuals in their care, such as infants or the elderly, constant monitoring for signs of heat exhaustion or heatstroke is paramount.
Looking ahead, while this current heatwave is projected to peak on Saturday, the broader implications of increasingly frequent and intense heat events in the UK are a subject of ongoing scientific discussion. Climate change is widely understood to be making such hot spells more likely and more severe. A recent study by the World Weather Attribution group indicated that June days with temperatures exceeding 32°C in southeast England are significantly more probable due to human-induced climate change, with a 100-times higher likelihood in today's climate compared to pre-industrial times. This underscores the critical need for long-term adaptation strategies and robust public health responses to safeguard communities against the growing threat of extreme heat in the years to come. For now, the focus remains on navigating the immediate challenges of this early summer heatwave and ensuring public safety across the United Kingdom.
Source@BBC