The record was first broken near Gatwick Airport, south of London, where temperatures reached 35.7°C before climbing further to 35.8°C in Wiggonholt. The UK Met Office said the figure remains provisional and could rise as more data becomes available.
The country is experiencing its second consecutive month of record-breaking heat, with scientists warning that climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events.
The Met Office issued a rare red “extreme heat” warning for parts of central and southern England and Wales, extending it until late Wednesday night.
The heatwave has caused widespread disruption, with hundreds of schools partially or fully closed due to concerns over high temperatures in ageing school buildings. Rail operators reduced services over fears that extreme heat could damage infrastructure, while electricity authorities warned of increased pressure on the power grid.
Many residents struggled to cope with the soaring temperatures. London resident Yana Markevich said living without air conditioning had become increasingly difficult and called for regulations to be eased to allow more homeowners to install cooling systems.
Workers across the country were also affected, with trade unions urging employers to improve working conditions. Unite warned that temperatures inside bus driver cabins could exceed 40°C, putting drivers at serious risk during the heatwave.
The extreme temperatures have also raised concerns about the protection of cultural and scientific collections. Researchers at University College London’s Grant Museum of Zoology said they were considering precautionary measures after a specimen jar broke during last year’s heatwave.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described the weather as a reminder that climate change remains one of the most significant challenges facing the world. Environmental groups renewed calls for faster action to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and accelerate the transition to cleaner energy.
A report released by climate experts on Wednesday urged the British government to speed up the adoption of electric vehicles and heat pumps if it hopes to meet its 2030 emissions targets.
