The UK is set to swelter on Monday as a heatwave, now entering its fourth day, reaches its peak — with temperatures forecast to climb to 34°C in parts of Greater London and Bedfordshire. Some areas may even tip towards 35°C, brushing up against historic records.
If temperatures do exceed 34°C, it would place Monday among the top three hottest June days on record, though still short of the all-time high of 35.6°C, set back in 1976.
At Wimbledon, the heat was already making history — opening day temperatures hit a provisional 29.7°C at nearby Kew Gardens, marking the hottest start to the tournament on record. Meanwhile, Glastonbury Festival urged attendees to leave before Monday to avoid worsening heat on site.
Health Warnings Issued Across England
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued amber heat health alerts across large swathes of England — including London, the South East, West Midlands, and East of England — effective until 09:00 BST on Wednesday. A yellow alert is also in place for the North West, while Scotland and Northern Ireland remain unaffected.
With nights expected to remain unusually warm — lows of 20°C in some places — the sustained heat may pose a serious health risk to vulnerable people. Travel delays and a rise in heat-related deaths are also expected in affected regions.
Europe Feels the Burn Too
Elsewhere in Europe, the mercury has surged past brutal thresholds: Andalucía in southern Spain recorded 46°C on Saturday, and Mora in central Portugal hit 46.6°C on Sunday.
Why It’s Happening
This marks the second official heatwave of 2025. To qualify, temperatures must reach specific thresholds for three days in a row — from 25°C in northern regions to 28°C further south.
Experts link these increasingly intense heatwaves to climate change. According to the World Weather Attribution group, extreme June heat like this is now around 10 times more likely due to global warming. What was once unusual is fast becoming the new normal.
Wildfire Risk and Dried-Out Habitats
London Fire Brigade has flagged a “severe” wildfire risk. The dry spell has already left landscapes scorched. Craig Bennett of The Wildlife Trusts described the conditions as “devastating,” with parched grasses removing vital food sources for wildlife.
As the week unfolds, the contrast remains stark: southern England bakes, while Scotland and Northern Ireland stay mild, with highs between 17–22°C and some rain on the horizon.
