Monday is poised to be one of the hottest June days on record, with temperatures soaring to 34C, providing tennis enthusiasts a scorching start to Wimbledon.
A heatwave will continue for a fourth day across much of England, predicted to be hotter than popular holiday destinations such as Barbados, Jamaica and Mexico. Since 1960, UK temperatures in June have only exceeded 34C three times, with the highest being 35.6C, recorded on 28 June 1976.
Wimbledon is bracing for its warmest opening day ever this Monday, with temperatures anticipated to break the previous record of 29.3C set on 25 June 2001. The tournament’s hottest day was on 1 July 2015 when the mercury hit 35.7C.
A tropical night could also be in store, with parts of England expected to remain above 20C overnight into Tuesday, according to the Met Office. Parts of south-east England could then see temperatures rise to 35C on Tuesday. However, Scotland and Northern Ireland are set for heavy rain and cooler climes.
Today could even see this year’s warmest day yet, as Charlwood in Surrey logged the year’s highest temperature so far at 33.2C on 21 June.
A second amber heat health alert in two weeks was activated on Friday. The alert, which includes London, the East Midlands, the South East, the South West and the East of England, will remain in effect until 6pm on Tuesday.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has also issued a yellow alert for Yorkshire and Humber and the West Midlands for the same duration, warning of significant impacts on health and social care services.
The UK has been put on alert as an amber warning for extreme heat was triggered across all English regions on June 19, marking the first use since September 2023.
Regions need to hit specific temperature benchmarks for three straight days, ranging from 25C to 28C, to officially enter a heatwave, and these figures vary across the nation.
London Fire Brigade’s assistant commissioner Thomas Goodall issued a stern warning, saying, “London is already facing its second heatwave of the year and we know that people will be looking forward to getting outside to enjoy the wonderful weather.”
However, Goodall cautioned, “But the high temperatures and low rainfall in recent months means the current risk of wildfires is severe.”
He delivered some stark statistics: “So far this year, firefighters have responded to around 14 wildfires in the capital.
“There have also been countless callouts to smaller fires involving grass, trees and in other outdoor spaces, as well as in people’s gardens.
“During this latest heatwave, it is important everyone acts responsibly to prevent fires from occurring. As the weather has been so dry, it only takes a few sparks to lead to a fire spreading rapidly.
“In London, this is can be dangerous because so many of our green spaces lie close to homes and other properties.”
