Britain could be on the verge of a record-breaking June heatwave, with the Met Office warning the UK’s highest June temperature on record is expected to fall this week.
The current June record stands at 35.6C, set in 1976. But forecasters say that could be surpassed in the coming days – and the record for the highest June minimum temperature could also be broken.
In a post on social media, the Met Office said it expects the highest minimum temperature for June, currently 22.7C (also set in 1976), to be challenged too.
But it warned the heat will feel even more punishing because humidity levels are also expected to be high.
The map below shows live temperatures across the UK:
“The high temperatures only tell part of the story however, as high humidity will add to how uncomfortable it is both by day and night,” the forecaster added.
The Met Office said temperatures could reach a maximum of 39C on Thursday, most likely somewhere in London or the South East, with even higher readings “possible”.
Met Office spokesman Grahame Madge said: “The Met Office is flagging 39C as a headline maximum temperature on Thursday, most likely for somewhere in London or the South East.
“Forecast temperature values are indicative and are subject to a slight range either side.
“It is possible we could see temperatures higher than the 39C if the final values are at the upper end of our narrow range.
“It is important to remember that the temperature value is only one element of this extreme heatwave story.
“The other major factor is the high humidity which for many will make the intense heat even harder to endure.”
The warning comes after the UK’s highest temperature recorded on Tuesday reached 34.6C in Wisley, Surrey, according to the Met Office.
However, Tuesday’s peak did not beat the June record of 35.6C, set in Hampshire in 1976, and also fell short of the hottest day of the year so far – 35.1C at Kew Gardens, London, on May 26.