Britain set for hottest June day in history as Met Office predicts official heatwave - while also warning of health dangers and water safety risks

Britain set for hottest June day in history as Met Office predicts official heatwave - while also warning of health dangers and water safety risks - Do YOU have a story? Email william.g.hallowell@dailymail.co.uk - Get your news delivered straight to you by 7am - sign up to our new Morning Mail newsletter for FREE - See more Daily Mail on Google - save us as a Preferred Source Britain is set for the hottest June day in history as the Met Office predicts an official heatwave. Temperatures are expected to soar to 34C over the next week, marking the UK's hottest June day on record. Some parts of the country will potentially be even hotter, meaning they will be hit with an amber extreme heat warning. It flags potential health impacts for people vulnerable to extreme heat and heat-related issues for the wider population, as well as a potential increase in water safety incidents. The warning, which differs from amber heat health alerts issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), comes as another heatwave is expected to sweep parts of the UK during the weekend and early next week. A static area of high pressure over mainland Europe is trapping warm air underneath - known as a 'heat dome' - and resulting in very hot conditions for southern England. Swathes of southern and eastern England and Wales were placed under the rare 47-hour amber warning which will run from 1am on Monday until the end of Tuesday. These parts of the country are likely to meet the heatwave threshold during the weekend, and there is a 40 per cent chance of exceeding the highest-ever temperature for June, 35.6C, which was set in 1957 and 1976. Sasha (centre) with her daughter Maureen (right) and friend Sammi (left) cool off in the River Darent in Eynsford An elderly person stops their mobility scooter in the shade under trees as a young woman walks by looking at her mobile phone during the hot weather A woman using her phone in the warm weather, in Potters Fields Park, London Britons have been urged to 'keep out of the sun and avoid any exercise between 11am to 3pm when the sun is strongest and close curtains in rooms that face the sun'. They should also 'drink plenty of fluids' with the advice being: 'If you are going out take water with you, stay in the shade, wear sunscreen and a wide brimmed hat.' Saturday has a potential high of 28C before temperatures rise again from Sunday. Meanwhile, some areas in the south and southeast of England are forecast to reach 32C on that day and then push up or above 34C on Monday. They are again likely to reach the mid-30s on Tuesday. Some locations may see temperatures remain above 20C overnight on Monday and Tuesday, particularly in urban areas. Amber heat health alerts are in force by the UKHSA for the east, southeast and south-west of England, as well as London, until 8pm on Tuesday. Greg Wolverson, deputy chief forecaster at the Met Office, said: 'While heatwave criteria will be met for some in the south and south-east of England over the weekend, with temperatures into the low 30s possible, the warmth will expand and intensify at the start of next week, which, coupled with high temperatures overnight, leads to potential impacts. 'Temperatures will peak around the mid-30s on Monday and Tuesday. The humidity will also mean this feels close, warmer and more uncomfortable for many. Naia, a two-year-old toy poodle, rests on a table in the warm weather in Potters Fields Park A woman sips a drink in the warm weather in Potters Fields Park Racegoers stand under large umbrellas to keep cool during the fourth day of Royal Ascot A woman at Ascot racecourse uses an electric fan amid the scorching conditions on Friday 'Tropical nights – where the temperature doesn't drop below 20C – are also likely for some.' The warmth may bring some thundery downpours for some on Monday and Tuesday, though these should be 'fairly isolated', the Met Office said. The very high temperatures could continue across a smaller part of the country into the middle of the week, but this remains uncertain for now, the forecaster added. At least 15 people died after getting into trouble in open water during a hot spell in May. Samantha Hughes, national water safety partner at the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, said: 'With warmer weather approaching, it's important to remember that the water is still cold. 'Entering it unexpectedly can lead to cold water shock, causing a sudden increase in breathing and heart rate, which may trigger panic.' After the heat health alerts were issued, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) said employers must ensure their workers are protected while maintaining productivity during the heatwave. Met Office and UKHSA warnings come as concerns are mounting over another spike in water‑related incidents such as cold‑water shock and drowning, after at least 17 people died when they got into trouble in open water during the record-breaking May heatwave last month. Public transport users were told to consider 'amending travel plans if necessary' and 'carry water with you, take a small hand-held battery powered fan, if you feel unwell get off at next stop for some fresh air, dress in light fabrics in light colours to help stay cooler, keep an eye on fellow passengers for signs they may be struggling'. The heat could 'lead to widespread impacts on people and infrastructure' with 'some changes in working practices and daily routines likely to be required'. Meteorologists warned 'adverse health effects are likely to be experienced by those vulnerable to extreme heat', and 'some delays to road, rail and air travel are possible, with potential for welfare issues for those who experience prolonged delays'. There is an increased risk that 'some heat-sensitive systems and equipment may fail, leading to power cuts and the loss of other services to some homes and businesses'. Britons were told by the Met Office to prepare for possible power outages by 'gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items'. Forecasters also fear that the 'wider population are likely to experience some adverse health effects including sunburn or heat exhaustion and other heat related illnesses.' The Met Office has only issued extreme heat warnings three times before – in August 2022, July 2022 – when the UK reached its only ever 40C day - and July 2021. The UKHSA has brought in separate amber heat health alerts for the South, where the heatwave is set to run until next Thursday. A woman sunbathes at a lido in London this afternoon as others swim in the water Summer Dawson-Giddens, three, enjoys the warmth in the sea in Hunstanton, Norfolk, on Friday The Met Office has issued an amber warning for extreme heat for next Monday and Tuesday The Met Office forecast for London shows temperatures will soar beyond 30C next week Two women enter the River Thames next to the Millennium Bridge a hot day in London on Friday People sit in the shade during a hot day four of Royal Ascot at the Berkshire racecourse on Friday Swimmers on Friday at Sea Lanes Canary Wharf, a new floating swimming pool in east London Commuters cross London Bridge on Friday morning as the sunlight is reflected from The Shard Yesterday's UK high was 27.5C in Hull, and East Anglia could see 32C on Friday before the warm air temporarily shifts away from the UK leaving tomorrow with a 28C peak. But temperatures will rise again with parts of the South and South East expected to reach 32C on Sunday and then push up to or beyond 34C on Monday for some. Next week will continue very hot with highs of 32C on Tuesday then 30C on both Wednesday and Thursday, before the outlook becomes uncertain beyond then. Met Office meteorologist Alex Deakin said the high temperatures were 'pretty unusual even for the middle part of June' – and the second heatwave of 2026 comes less than a month after a new all-time record for May of 35.1C was set in London. Forecasters said conditions will be 'very humid and muggy' especially in the South both day and night - and it will therefore feel hotter than the May heatwave. There is also a chance of 'tropical nights', when minimum temperatures do not fall below 20C. While much of Europe is also entering a heatwave, in the UK there will be a North–South split as lower pressure close to the north-west will see showers and cooler temperatures continue. There was even a flood warning issued in Scotland for areas of Stirlingshire and Perthshire where heavy rain fell on Friday. The UKHSA amber alerts were imposed for London, the East, South East and South West regions between yesterday and Tuesday, but could be extended. The Midlands is under a yellow alert, but there are no alerts for the North. The amber alert warns people in those areas of 'a rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions', while 'significant impacts are likely across health and social care services' due to the heat. Officials warned of 'indoor environments overheating, increasing the risk to vulnerable people living independently in community and care settings'. Other impacts could be 'increased demand for power exceeding capacity'; 'issues managing medicines'; and 'staffing issues due to external factors' such as transport. The Met Office says a heatwave is defined as three consecutive days with daily maximum temperatures meeting or exceeding the heatwave temperature threshold. The threshold varies across the UK - between 25C across Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales and South West England, and 28C in London and its surrounding counties. A beautiful morning at Gravesend Pier in Kent on Friday where the Nao Victoria ship is visiting A woman jogging on The Queen's Walk in London on Friday as the hot weather continued A man goes for a walk in the woods in the morning sunshine at Dunsden in Oxfordshire on Friday The sun rises over central London on Friday morning as viewed from Richmond Park The Met Office's Mr Wolverson said: 'Some areas in the South and South East of England are likely to see heatwave criteria met over the weekend, with the potential for temperatures to reach the low 30Cs in the warmest locations.' He said 34C was possible in the South and South East on Monday. Mr Wolverson added: 'There is a slight chance that hot conditions may persist deeper into next week, but confidence in this aspect is rather low at this stage.' He also said there is currently a 40 per cent chance of exceeding the current UK June maximum temperature record – and a lower chance of exceeding the June maximum temperature record for Wales. Mr Wolverson continued: 'It's important to note that while temperatures may be high, we might not all see the wall-to-wall sunshine and blue skies we experienced back in late May because there may be more cloud around. 'Couple this with fairly high humidity, and it may feel rather oppressive at times. There is also a chance of thunderstorms developing in places, which could bring heavy downpours and localised impacts.' The Met Office said people heading to the coast should be careful with sea-surface temperatures, which are not as high as they would be in mid-summer. Andrew Tucker, water reduction manager at Thames Water said: 'We're seeing the impact of hotter, drier weather across the UK and while more people are aware of the need to save water, this isn't always reflected in usage. 'At Thames Water we're continuing to invest in leak reduction, smart meter installations, water efficiency and mains replacement as part of our biggest upgrade in 150 years for the benefit of our customers and the environment.' 'We can't do this alone, it's important that customers and businesses work with us to save water where they can and play their part in protecting our vital resources.' Angelo Makri, senior knowledge officer for wellbeing at the Alzheimer's Society, said: 'People should absolutely enjoy the warmer weather, but it's important to remember that high temperatures can pose serious risks for people living with dementia if they are not supported to stay cool and hydrated. 'People with dementia may not always recognise when they need a drink or wear suitable clothing, which can increase the risk of dehydration and heat-related illness. 'As temperatures rise this week, we're urging families, friends and carers to check in and make sure loved ones are drinking enough, wearing light clothing and staying out of direct sunlight.' The AA has advised drivers to check tyres, oil and coolant levels, pack water for passengers and pets, and avoid driving during the hottest part of the day – especially if using an older car. A spokesperson added: 'A parked car can become dangerously hot in minutes, so never leave children, older or vulnerable passengers, or pets inside a vehicle, even briefly. 'If you do break down, stop somewhere safe, if possible, keep well away from moving traffic and wait in the shade, in a safe place, while help is on the way.' It comes three weeks after a record-breaking heatwave saw England and Wales record their hottest ever day in May with highs of 35.1C and 32.9C respectively. The Met Office previously described the end of spring as 'one of the UK's most extreme high temperature events in our observational records'. The UK had four heatwaves in 2025 - two in June, one in July and one in August. The country's highest temperature of last year was 35.8C at Faversham in Kent on July 1. Meanwhile environmental officials said on Friday that the risk of drought this year has risen for some UK areas because climate change is driving a 'weather whiplash'. Amber and yellow heat health alerts have been issued by the UK Health Security Agency The heatwave threshold is defined as three consecutive days at or above a set temperature Temperatures will build in London over the coming days, but it will be much cooler in Glasgow The national drought group, which brings together the Met Office, regulators, government, water companies, farmers, scientists and conservation organisations several times a year, said water resources remain in a relatively healthy position because of the exceptionally wet winter. However, the group warned that dry conditions in spring have increased the risk of drought this summer, with some areas already seeing the impacts. England and Wales saw their warmest spring on record this year, thanks partly to the 'exceptionally early' heatwave that hit the UK at the end of May. The season also brought a north-south divide, with northern England receiving 90 per cent of its average rainfall in recent months compared to just 50 per cent in southern England. East Anglia is set to return to the status of 'prolonged dry weather' next week, while Devon and Cornwall are on a watchlist to enter prolonged dry weather later in the summer, according to the group. Farmers are also facing growing pressure, with many reporting issues with the growth of spring crops. They said the conditions forced them to start irrigation earlier than usual, which involves taking water from rivers and lakes to sustain crops in dry soil. Officials said the Environment Agency is working with water companies on their drought plans and is actively monitoring water levels and rainfall patterns. Helen Wakeham, national drought group chairwoman and director of water at the Environment Agency, said: 'We enter summer in a generally favourable position, but we can never be complacent ahead of those crucial drier months. 'Heatwaves will continue to be a concern as they can drive spikes in water demand, so we need to continue to work collaboratively to use our finite water wisely.' It comes after the group met yesterday to share intelligence on water resources, ongoing research and drought preparation planning as they continue to collaborate on how to protect the country's finite water supplies. At the meeting, they noted that the recent conditions has placed particular pressure on farmers, who have licences to abstract water from natural sources when the soil is dry. Removing too much water from rivers and lakes can devastate ecosystems already under strain from drier conditions by leading to even lower levels of oxygen, warmer water temperatures, more concentrated pollution and habitat loss. Paul Tompkins, the National Farmers' Union's deputy president, said: 'Irrigation is vital for the growth of many crops. 'With current projections for summer water availability ranging from moderate to poor in parts of the country, it is essential that farmers and growers retain the flexibility within their licences to access water when it is available to sustain crop production. 'To safeguard our domestic food supply, we must build resilience to climate volatility. 'To secure farmers and growers' access to water during shortages, they need enabling planning rules and regulatory reforms that support on-farm water storage, investment in water efficiency and innovation in more water-efficient crops and systems.' The officials said the public also has a vital role to play by making small changes at home that can add up to meaningful savings that help keep rivers healthy and taps running. This could include fixing a leaking toilet, which alone can waste up to 400 litres a day, fitting a water butt, using the eco-setting on dishwashers and washing machines, and installing a low-flow shower. 'While many of us enjoy the hot weather, we ask everyone to be mindful of their water use,' Ms Wakeham said. 'Every drop saved leaves more available for farmers, our local rivers and wildlife.' The risk of drought is said to be increasing in the UK experts believe climate change is driving increasingly volatile weather, with the last decade alone seeing droughts in 2018-2019, 2022 and 2025. Sarah Davies, Met Office head of environment and energy, said: 'The weather in recent months highlights the variability we can experience, with a notably dry spring followed by a much wetter start to June, and more settled, drier conditions returning more recently. 'Looking ahead to the rest of June and into July, the Met Office long range forecast suggests conditions are likely to remain widely dry and settled, with above-average temperatures for many areas. 'However, there remains the potential for more changeable and unsettled periods at times.'