UK Records Third Consecutive June Temperature Record Amid Severe Heatwave

The United Kingdom broke its June temperature record for the third consecutive day on Friday, according to the Met Office. A provisional reading of 37.3°C was recorded in Santon Downham, Suffolk, surpassing the previous high of 36.9°C set earlier the same day.

Before this week, the UK's June record of 35.6°C from 1976 had stood for 50 years. Met Office climate spokesman Grahame Madge noted that the record has been provisionally exceeded on three consecutive days this week.

Chief forecaster Andy Page stated that Friday marks the peak of the heatwave in terms of temperatures. The Met Office has issued its highest-level red 'extreme heat' warning for three consecutive days, warning of 'population-wide adverse health effects'.

The heatwave has strained schools, hospitals, and businesses. The London Ambulance Service reported its highest number of life-threatening emergency calls in a single day on Wednesday, driven by the heat. Several hospitals reported breakdowns of MRI machines and IT systems due to the heat.

Electricity grid operator NESO issued a warning about tighter supply margins during peak demand on Friday evening. In London, tourist attractions like Tower Bridge and the Royal Observatory closed, and the British Museum closed early. Hundreds of schools remained closed or partially closed.

Street vendors in central London struggled with the heat. Turkey stall owner Will Evans said the heat in his workspace was 5°C higher than outside. Fried chicken stall worker Rainei Almeida reported feeling temperatures as high as 43°C near the fryers.

A wildfire on moorland near Glossop, which broke out on Wednesday, was contained by Friday afternoon.

Climate experts have cautioned that the UK is unprepared for increasingly frequent heatwaves due to climate change. The Met Office's red warning underscores the severity of the situation.