Extreme heat weather warning issued for southern England

Beachgoers sunbathe on Viking Bay beach as the UK experiences its hottest day in June on record during a heatwave in Broadstairs, Kent, Britain, 24 June 2026. The Met Office has issued its second-ever red warning for extreme heat, as temperatures are expected to reach at least 39 Celsius, with some areas potentially reaching close to the UK’s all-time high of 40 Celsius. Rail passengers are warned to avoid nonessential travel, and more than 1,000 schools in England and Wales are shut or closing early.