Record temperatues in the UK again

The UK hit another record temperature today for the hottest June day ever recorded. The 36.4°C in Yeovilton, Somerset this afternoon comes just one day after breaking the 50-year old record. (The hottest day ever in the UK was 19 July 2022, when Coningsby, Lincolnshire hit 40.3°C. However, it was so dry—the dewpoint only hit 9°C—that the heat index only got up to 38.2°C.)

The Met Office has issued a Red Warning the third consecutive day, another record-breaking event:

[This is] the first time in the history of the current weather warnings system that red warnings have been issued for extreme heat for three consecutive days in the UK.

The warning, which extends from Kent to Oxford and Winchester to Brighton, will impacts millions of people across London, the Home Counties and the South East.

Andy Page is a Met Office Chief Meteorologist. He said: “This exceptional spell of hot and humid weather will maintain its grip on the UK for a little longer. Although the current red warning for areas in more central and western parts of England and Wales will expire later today, the heatwave will still be bringing high temperatures to these areas, albeit moving away from the peak heat of Wednesday and Thursday.

“We are expecting that some daytime maximum temperatures could exceed 36°C, perhaps rising to 37°C in some locations.”

The daytime heat will be accompanied by high humidity, and this will lead to some uncomfortably warm, humid nights, exacerbating the potential for discomfort and health impacts.

They anticipate a Red Warning tomorrow and Amber Warnings for thunderstorms and heat tomorrow and Saturday.

Meanwhile, about half an hour ago Le Bourget, France, hit 40°C. Meteo France has extended yesterdays Vigilance Rouge to over 2/3 the country:

They also expect some modest cooling along the Atlantic Coast tomorrow, but the interior of the country may remain under Vigilance Rouge through the weekend.

I am so glad I'm visiting both countries in September instead of now, though as Dr Harper pointed out yesterday, a replay of the 1976 heatwave could make that a very squishy trip.