The UK's record books have been rewritten as it sweltered under a scorching 36.1C (97F) on Tuesday, shattering its previous June high. Gosport in Hampshire was the location where this new benchmark was set, according to provisional data from the Met Office. This eclipses the old mark of 35.6C (96F), which was first recorded in Camden Square, London in 1957 and equalled in Southampton nine years later.
This record-breaking temperature is part of a far-reaching heatwave that has engulfed swathes of Europe, affecting over 90 million people. France's national heat index – an average of daytime and night-time highs across 30 weather stations – reached a staggering new high of 30C (86F), beating the previous record of 29.4C (84.9F) set in 2003 and 2019.
The extreme conditions have prompted warnings from the World Health Organisation, which has expressed concern that "lives are at risk". Across Europe, an estimated 94 million people – predominantly in France and Spain – will endure temperatures above 35C (95F). In Spain, its national weather agency reported average daily highs of 28.08C (82.5F) on Monday and 28.17C (82.7F) on Tuesday, making it the country's highest ever June temperature.
France is particularly hard hit, with Météo-France placing 72 departments under red alerts for extreme heat – a move which affects more than three-quarters of mainland France's population. Over 50 French departments have recorded temperatures above 40C (104F) since the heatwave began on 17th June.
Officials in Paris are taking drastic measures, implementing a "level 4 heatwave plan" that includes keeping parks and gardens open overnight, extending swimming pool hours, and deploying outreach teams to assist vulnerable individuals. The impact is also being felt elsewhere in Europe: Italy has 16 cities under red alert, construction workers and delivery riders have been advised to avoid working during peak afternoon hours.
The heatwave has taken a toll on infrastructure across the continent – poorly insulated buildings in the UK are struggling to cope. At least 1,000 schools and nurseries in England and Wales have been affected, with partial or full closures, early finishing times, or relaxed uniform policies. Transport authorities have advised against non-essential travel.
The Met Office has issued various warnings across the UK, with amber and yellow heat warnings in place for large parts of England and Wales. The primary concern remains the sustained high temperatures and light winds, which are exacerbating the situation.