London is facing an unprecedented third consecutive day under a rare red heat warning, with record-breaking June temperatures continuing to grip the capital and emergency services under increasing pressure.
Heatwave grips the capital
Extended by the Met Office, the red extreme heat warning now remains in force until 9pm on Friday, marking the first time it has lasted three days in a row.
The warning follows Thursday’s provisional high of 36.7C in Merryfield, Somerset, which eclipsed Wednesday’s UK June record of 36.1C and surpassed the long-standing benchmark from the 1976 heatwave.
Forecasters say temperatures could challenge the new record again on Friday as the hottest air shifts eastwards towards London and the South East.
The prolonged spell of extreme heat is already having a serious impact on public services.
London Ambulance Service recorded its highest ever number of life-threatening incidents on Wednesday, responding to 642 category one emergencies.
Surge in emergencies
Jason Killens, chief executive of London Ambulance Service, said crews were working in "challenging conditions" as demand continued to rise.
Several London councils, including Lambeth and Barking and Dagenham, have opened designated "cool hubs" to offer residents respite from the heat, while schools have adjusted opening hours or closed early to keep pupils safe.
Long-term planning
Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan has launched the city’s first dedicated heat plan, which calls for increased air conditioning in schools, hospitals, and workplaces as the capital braces for more frequent and intense heatwaves.
The science behind the heatwave
The Met Office attributes the current heatwave to a "heat dome" over western Europe, which has trapped hot air across much of the continent.
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Greg Wolverson, deputy chief meteorologist at the Met Office, said: "We've seen a new provisional June maximum temperature record for a second consecutive day as the heatwave continues.
"This marks unprecedented heat for the month of June and provides further evidence of how high temperature extremes are becoming increasingly common in the UK as a result of human-induced climate change.
"There's a chance of this record being challenged again as the warmth moves more markedly east on Friday, before a gradual easing in temperatures through the weekend."
Staying safe in the heat
Red heat health alerts remain in place for London, while amber heat warnings cover a wider area of England.
The Met Office is advising people to avoid the midday sun where possible, drink plenty of water, check on vulnerable neighbours, and never leave children or pets inside parked vehicles.
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