UK braces for another heatwave after record‑breaking June temperatures

The Met Office confirmed that June 2026 was the hottest on record for England, with an average temperature of 17.1 °C and a peak of 37.7 °C at Lingwood, Norfolk. A rare red heat warning was issued, leading to hospital critical‑incident declarations, school closures, widespread ambulance callouts and a hose‑pipe ban in Kent.

Forecasters say a third heatwave is increasingly likely, with temperatures expected to reach around 30 °C in parts of southeast England and the high 20s across much of the country. A new yellow heat‑health alert covering England, the Midlands and Wales runs from 4 July to 8 July, warning of increased risk to vulnerable people, higher demand on health services and potential water‑related incidents.

Medical experts note that extreme heat can suppress appetite as the body's hypothalamus redirects blood to the skin and reduces hunger hormones. They advise staying hydrated, eating smaller meals rich in water‑laden foods and protecting against dehydration.

Regional forecasts show the North East staying in the low 20s, possibly rising to 25 °C later in the week, while Ireland is expected to see high 20s and a chance of reaching 30 °C in the south and east. These conditions are part of a broader heat dome affecting the British Isles.

The heatwave has also spurred a surge in demand for cooling treats; UK supermarkets report increased sales of ice lollies, which provide temporary relief but generate metabolic heat once digested.