Key facts
- Britain recorded its hottest June day with temperatures reaching 36.4 C.
- The heatwave has caused dozens of deaths across Europe.
- France has activated its highest level of health service mobilisation.
- Schools and cultural landmarks have been shut across the continent.
- The UK's previous June temperature record was 35.6C set in 1976.
Britain has officially recorded its hottest June day ever, with temperatures reaching 36.4 C in Yeovilton, Somerset. This surpasses the previous record of 35.6 C set in 1976. The heatwave gripping Western Europe has led to dozens of deaths and significant disruptions.
France has activated its highest level of health service mobilisation, with cities like Nantes reporting temperatures above 40 C. Schools and cultural landmarks have been shut across the continent. In Spain, mainland average June temperatures surpassed 39 C, marking the highest since at least 1950, though temperatures are expected to drop. At least 94 million people in Europe were estimated to experience temperatures above 35 C.
The World Health Organization's chief, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, warned that the heatwave is putting people's health at risk and urged leaders to prioritise climate action. Scotland also recorded its hottest day of the year, with highs reaching 29.4 C in Dyce, Aberdeen.
In the UK, hospitals declared critical incidents due to the heat affecting equipment and IT systems. The London Ambulance Service responded to its highest number of life-threatening emergencies. The Met Office extended its extreme heat warning, with temperatures potentially reaching 38 C. The Netherlands issued its first-ever red alert for heat. Teachers in France have raised concerns about working in overheated schools.