At least 10 motorists were taken to the hospital after being stranded in the extreme heat on the M25 during the hottest June day ever.
South East Coast Ambulance Service said it responded to a number of patients suffering from heat-related illnesses, including dehydration, on Wednesday.
The UK also had its hottest June night on record after overnight temperatures in Cardiff failed to drop below 23.5C.
Train passengers have been told to only travel if necessary, as commuters face significant travel delays and cancellations amid the red weather warning.
A rare red weather Met Office alert for extreme heat stretching from London across to Somerset and Swansea, and up towards Birmingham, is in place until midnight on Thursday. An amber warning for heat in south-east England has also been extended into Saturday until 9pm.
Temperatures reached 36.1C at Gosport in Hampshire on Wednesday, after records for the hottest June day were broken four times.
Thousands of children are set to remain at home after schools across the country, including 100 in Somerset, decided it is too hot for the classroom.
Hottest June night ever after temperatures in Cardiff didn’t drop below 23.5C
Wednesday 24 June provisionally achieved the UK’s highest June temperature on record 🌡️
Here are the other extremes from the day: https://t.co/xsMwTiYpHg
The flying ants were also out in force, resulting in spurious returns on the radar where it wasn’t raining 🪰 pic.twitter.com/s2iMLxNvUU
— Met Office (@metoffice) June 24, 2026
Harriette Boucher25 June 2026 08:26
Heatwave continues to cause travel chaos
Commuters are continuing to face significant travel delays and cancellations on Monday as the extreme heat causes disruption across roads and railways.
Train passengers have been told to only travel if necessary on Thursday and Friday in areas most affected by extreme heat.
Network Rail said trains will operate at reduced speeds and services will be cut for “safety reasons”.
Jake Kelly, deputy chief executive of Network Rail, said: “Very high temperatures, like we are seeing in Great Britain and across parts of Europe, put significant strain on the railway, so our priority is to keep passengers safe while keeping services running.
“We’re asking passengers to think carefully about their plans and only travel if it’s absolutely necessary in the areas most affected areas by the extremely high temperatures that are being recorded.”
Transport for London said disruption to Tube and rail services was expected, particularly the London Overground and Elizabeth line.
National Rail has also reported delays across its network and urged people to carry water with them when they travel.
Meanwhile, more than 10 people were taken to hospital after being stranded in their cars on the M25 near Surrey on Wednesday.
A double decker electric bus was also destroyed after it caught on fire at a bus depot in Westbourne Park.
Harriette Boucher25 June 2026 07:58
More than 10 people taken to hospital after being stranded on M25 in extreme heat
More than 10 people were taken to hospital after being stuck in their cars in the extreme heat on Wednesday.
At least one person was airlifted to the hospital due to dehydration.
South East Coast Ambulance Service said it responded to a number of patients stranded in traffic on the M25 near Surrey following an earlier road traffic collision, which resulted in road closures.
“The resulting congestion has been severe and prolonged, with some vehicles stationary for several hours during today’s Red Heat Alert.
“This has resulted in a number of calls from people suffering from heat related illnesses including a number of coach passengers.”
Labour MP Tony Vaughan took to social media to ask Surrey Police and National Highways for help.
“A constituent has been stuck on the M25 near Oxted for 8 hours. It is 40 degrees in her car. She has kids with her. She is running out of water. The person from the car in front has been airlifted to hospital with dehydration. Police seem to be saying it’s not their job to give out water.”
Harriette Boucher25 June 2026 07:42
London bus catches on fire during heatwave
A double decker electric bus was destroyed after it caught on fire during London’s hottest day.
Four fire engines and 25 firefighters were called to Western Road in Westbourne Park at 6.23pm on Wednesday.
London Fire Brigade said the incident was under control by 7.11pm.
No injuries have been reported, but two electric vehicle charging points were also destroyed.
The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Brigade’s fire investigation team.
Harriette Boucher25 June 2026 07:26
Temperature could continue to rise as heatwave brings record-breaking figures
The heatwave brought record-breaking temperatures on Wednesday, but forecasters warn they could rise even higher.
A rare red warning for extreme heat has been issued by the Met Office as the UK has sweltered in exceptionally hot and humid conditions.
Provisional figures suggest the temperature reached 36.1C in Gosport, Hampshire, breaking the previous June record from the summer of 1976.
The heatwave forecast is set to continue on Thursday and Friday, and the Met Office said it is possible the figure could be “beaten again”.
Wednesday’s high breaks the previous top temperature for June of 35.6C in 1976 and 1957, the forecaster said.
Temperature could continue to rise as heatwave brings record-breaking figures
Red warnings for extreme heat remain in placeHarriette Boucher25 June 2026 07:17
Met Office five-day forecast
Today
Plenty of sunshine, though low cloud affecting some North Sea coasts. Hot for most, exceptionally so across southern and central parts of England and Wales. Breezier than Wednesday. Wetter and cloudier for northwest Scotland, with spells of heavy rain.
Tonight
Rain in the northwest turning thundery. Further thunderstorms with strong gusty winds developing across southwest England during Thursday evening before spreading northeastwards overnight. Warm and humid for all.
Friday
Rather cloudy across northern regions with outbreaks of rain and thunderstorms, accompanied by hail and gusty winds. Peak heat transferring to eastern England, with temperatures further west dropping slightly.
Outlook for Saturday to Monday
Still hot in the southeast on Saturday. Fresher conditions gradually arriving from the west during the weekend, but this accompanied by spells of rain and thundery showers. Drier by Monday.
Harriette Boucher25 June 2026 07:15
The record for the hottest day was beaten four times on Wednesday
The Met Office has recorded four record breaking temperatures for June.
It hit 36.1C in Gosport, Hampshire, on Wednesday. That’s slightly higher than 36C recorded at Wisley, Surrey.
Rebecca Whittaker25 June 2026 07:00
Watch: Heatstroke symptoms: Key signs to look out for amid red weather warning
Rebecca Whittaker25 June 2026 06:00
Recap: Weather forecast for the next five days
Tonight:
Cloudy in the northwest, perhaps with some patchy rain for Northern Ireland and western Scotland. Largely clear elsewhere but staying very warm and muggy overnight.
Thursday:
Rain and thundery showers over northwest Scotland turning heavy at times. Low cloud and fog possibly affecting North Sea coasts. Otherwise, a widely very hot day with strong sunshine.
Outlook for Friday to Sunday:
Another hot day in the east on Friday. Fresher conditions gradually arriving from the west into the weekend, but this accompanied by spells of rain and thundery showers.
Rebecca Whittaker25 June 2026 04:00
Parents are stepping up where schools aren’t – the heatwave hysteria must end
Telling children that school is optional because it is hot outside is no small thing, and it’s not the only system breakdown that is making parents boil over with rage. Families have got to stop being an afterthought in this country, writes Mumsnet founder Justine Roberts
Read more here:
Parents are stepping up where schools aren’t – the heatwave hysteria must end
Telling children that school is optional because it is hot outside is no small thing, and it’s not the only system breakdown that is making parents boil over with rage. Families have got to stop being an afterthought in this country, writes Mumsnet founder Justine RobertsRebecca Whittaker25 June 2026 03:00NewerOlder