LONDON — Britain recorded its hottest June day on record as an ongoing heatwave gripped parts of Europe, the Met Office said.
Provisional data showed temperatures reaching 36.1 degrees Celsius (97 degrees Fahrenheit) in Gosport, Hampshire, on Wednesday, surpassing the previous June record of 35.6 C set in 1957 and matched in 1976, according to the UK national weather service. Similar highs near 36 C were reported in Wisley, Surrey.
The Met Office issued warnings for exceptionally warm conditions continuing into the middle of the week. Amber heat-health alerts had been in place across England earlier in the period.
The heatwave formed part of broader extreme weather across western and southern Europe, where high-pressure systems and elevated sea surface temperatures contributed to elevated temperatures. France reported its hottest day on record since measurements began in 1947, with other countries including Spain and Portugal also experiencing intense heat.
In Britain, the warm spell followed a record-breaking May, during which temperatures also reached notable highs for the month. The Met Office has previously confirmed that England experienced its hottest June on record in terms of average temperatures in prior years, though specific 2026 monthly averages were not immediately available.
Officials urged the public to take precautions against heat-related risks. Vulnerable populations, including the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions, face heightened dangers during prolonged high temperatures.
"Stay hydrated, avoid direct sunlight during the hottest parts of the day, and check on neighbors and family members," a Met Office spokesperson said in a statement.
Health authorities across Europe have reported increased medical incidents linked to the heat, though comprehensive casualty figures for the current wave remained under assessment as of Thursday. Previous heatwaves in the region have been associated with excess deaths, particularly among older age groups.
Wildfires and disruptions to transport and power systems have been reported in several European countries amid the conditions. In the UK, emergency services monitored for potential impacts including fires in drier areas.
Meteorologists attributed the intensity of such events to long-term climatic trends, with scientists noting that human-induced climate change is making extreme heat more frequent and severe. However, attribution for any single event requires detailed analysis.
As of Thursday, forecasters indicated that temperatures may begin to ease in some parts of Britain and northern Europe in the coming days, though hot conditions were expected to persist in southern regions. The Met Office continued to monitor developments.
The current heatwave has prompted widespread public health messaging and operational adjustments across affected areas.
