London braces for 38°C heatwave as Met Office issues amber warning

The Met Office has issued an amber heat warning for London and the south of England as an eight‑day heatwave peaks at 38 °C on Tuesday and Wednesday, June 22‑23. Forecasts call for high daytime temperatures and warm overnight lows, with high humidity expected to increase the risk of heat‑related illness and strain infrastructure.

Authorities warn of possible delays to road, rail and air travel, and advise the public to protect themselves by wearing sunscreen, staying hydrated and avoiding prolonged exposure to the sun. Water safety concerns have also been highlighted amid fears of drought. The warning follows a record‑breaking May heatwave that saw temperatures exceed 35 °C in parts of the UK and resulted in 15 deaths in open water.

The amber alert will remain in place as temperatures stay in the mid‑30s to high‑30s Celsius across the region, prompting health officials to monitor vulnerable groups and encourage precautionary measures.