UK Heatwave: Red Warning Issued as Temperatures Hit 33.7C and Trains Urge No Travel

The Met Office has issued only its second-ever red extreme heat warning, covering southern England, the Midlands and parts of south Wales. The alert runs from 09:00 BST on Wednesday 25 June to 21:00 on Thursday 26 June, and signals dangerous weather conditions with a high likelihood of risk to life.

Temperatures in England reached 33.7C at Wisley in Surrey on Tuesday, close to but short of the 35.1C peak recorded earlier in the year on 26 May. The current June all-time record of 35.6C was set in 1976. Forecasters had predicted up to 36C, with the lower reading partly attributed to overnight storms that saturated the ground and diverted solar energy into evaporation rather than direct surface heating.

Train travel: Greater Thameslink Railway warns passengers to stay home

Greater Thameslink Railway (GTR), the UK's largest train operator covering Southern, Thameslink, Gatwick Express and Great Northern, has advised passengers not to travel on Wednesday or Thursday unless absolutely necessary. Speed restrictions imposed for safety will reduce services, and short-notice cancellations are possible. Gatwick Express will not operate from early afternoon on both days. Passengers can obtain refunds for tickets already purchased for travel during the affected period. Several other operators have issued similar reduced-timetable warnings.

Schools: at least 312 closing fully or partially

At least 312 schools across England and Wales have announced full or partial closures this week, with the majority concentrated in the south of England where the red warning applies. West Berkshire has 38 schools closing, Oxfordshire 19, and Hampshire 15. Bridgend County Borough Council in south Wales has reported two schools closing early on Tuesday. The actual total is likely higher, as many councils do not publish centralised lists for unexpected closures.

Wales: potential record temperatures

Welsh First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth warned during First Minister's Questions that Wales could see its highest temperatures ever recorded over the coming two days. The warning is the first time a red extreme heat alert has covered any part of Wales. The most vulnerable groups, including older people, babies and young children, have been identified as priority concerns.

Scotland and Northern Ireland: hottest days of the year so far

Scotland and Northern Ireland both recorded their hottest days of 2026 so far on Tuesday. Fyvie Castle in Aberdeenshire reached 28.8C, while Katesbridge in County Down hit 26.4C. Scotland requires 25C for three consecutive days to officially reach heatwave status; forecasters expect that threshold to be met by Thursday. Northern Ireland temperatures are expected to approach the all-time record of 31.3C, set in Castlederg, County Tyrone, in July 2021.

The broader European picture

France recorded its hottest day on a national scale since records began on Tuesday, with the national temperature indicator reaching 29.8C. Individual stations recorded 44.3C in Pissos and 42.1C in Bordeaux. At least 40 people have drowned in France since the heatwave began on Thursday, according to the French prime minister. The heatwave is moving eastward, with Hungary and other eastern European countries bracing for temperatures approaching 39C over the weekend. Lake Velence near Budapest, a popular holiday spot, has fallen to a record low water level of 52cm against a former average of 1.5m.

Climate context

Temperatures across the UK and Europe are running up to 16C above average for late June. BBC Weather forecasters note it is extremely rare to see two consecutive months break high-temperature records by the margins observed, with the last comparable occurrence in the UK dating to 1911. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, speaking at London Climate Action Week on Tuesday, described the current conditions as part of a broader climate crisis and called for a "fast, fair transition to clean energy."

When is the red warning in force?

The Met Office red extreme heat warning covers parts of southern England, the Midlands and south Wales from 09:00 BST on Wednesday 25 June 2026 until 21:00 BST on Thursday 26 June 2026.

What does a red weather warning mean?

A red warning is the Met Office's most severe alert level. It indicates that dangerous weather is expected with a high likelihood of risk to life, and may result in failures of critical infrastructure including power cuts and road or rail closures. The public is advised to avoid travelling where possible and to follow emergency service guidance.

Can I get a refund on my train ticket?

Greater Thameslink Railway has confirmed that passengers who have purchased tickets for travel on Wednesday 25 and Thursday 26 June 2026 and who choose not to travel can obtain a refund. Passengers should check directly with their operator for the process applicable to their ticket type.

Why are schools closing during the heatwave?

Schools are closing because extreme heat poses serious health risks to children, particularly in older buildings not designed for high temperatures. The Department for Education advises schools to make local decisions based on conditions, and many have chosen to close fully or partially while the red warning is active.

What is the highest temperature ever recorded in the UK in June?

The current UK June temperature record is 35.6C, set in 1976. On 23 June 2026, Wisley in Surrey reached 33.7C. Forecasters expect temperatures to climb further during the red warning period on Wednesday and Thursday.