London – 21 June 2025
In a historic and alarming development, the United Kingdom recorded its highest-ever temperature today, with the Met Office confirming a sweltering 45°C (113°F) — a figure that smashes the previous national record and raises urgent concerns about climate resilience, public health, and infrastructure capacity.
The record-setting temperature was observed in southern England during the early afternoon, amid a prolonged and intensifying heatwave that has gripped the country since early June. The Met Office issued a red extreme heat warning for large parts of the country, signaling a “danger to life” and urging residents to stay indoors, stay hydrated, and avoid travel where possible.
A Nation Under Heat Stress
The previous record of 40.3°C, set in July 2022 in Lincolnshire, was exceeded by almost 5 degrees — a startling leap that underscores the intensifying impact of global climate change. The Met Office described the 45°C reading as “unprecedented in British meteorological history”, noting that it aligns with long-term climate projections that suggest parts of the UK could routinely experience 40°C+ heat in coming decades.
“This is not just a weather anomaly — it is a clear signal of a changing climate,” said Dr. Helen Park, Chief Meteorologist at the Met Office. “Such temperatures were once considered virtually impossible in the UK, but they are now well within the realm of possibility under current greenhouse gas emissions scenarios.”
Health Authorities Sound Alarm
NHS England and Public Health UK have activated emergency response plans as hospitals across the country report a sharp increase in heat-related illnesses, including dehydration, heat exhaustion, and respiratory distress.
Health Secretary Jane Whittaker warned that the extreme heat could lead to a “significant rise in heat-related mortality,” especially among vulnerable populations such as the elderly, children, and individuals with pre-existing conditions.
Citizens have been advised to:
- Avoid outdoor activities between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Drink water frequently, even when not thirsty
- Wear light clothing and apply high-factor sunscreen
- Check on older relatives and neighbors
Wildfires, Power Strain, and Transport Chaos
The extreme heat has triggered a surge in wildfire incidents across England and Wales, with fire crews battling dozens of blazes in rural and suburban areas. Authorities have issued bans on barbecues, bonfires, and fireworks, with particular concern for dry grasslands near urban edges.
Meanwhile, the heat has strained the nation’s power grid, with spikes in energy use due to widespread air conditioning and cooling systems. Parts of the rail network have been disrupted due to tracks buckling in the heat, and Transport for London has advised against non-essential travel, particularly on the Underground, where some lines reported internal temperatures exceeding 50°C.
Climate Scientists: “This Is the New Normal”
Experts say the 45°C milestone may not be an outlier but rather a preview of summers to come. A recent study by Imperial College London found that deadly heat events in England are now 100 times more likely than they were in the pre-industrial era, primarily due to human-caused climate change.
“Temperatures of this magnitude would have been virtually impossible without global warming,” said Prof. James Holloway, a climate scientist involved in the research. “Unless emissions are drastically reduced, such extreme heat will not only become common — it will become worse.”
Government Faces Pressure to Act
Environmental groups and opposition parties have criticized the government for what they call “piecemeal and inadequate” adaptation strategies. There are renewed calls for a comprehensive national heat resilience plan, expanded tree planting in urban centers, retrofitting homes for heat resistance, and accelerating the transition away from fossil fuels.
In a brief statement, Prime Minister Eleanor Gardner said the government was “monitoring the situation closely” and would “provide additional resources as needed.” However, critics argue that more proactive leadership is required to prepare for increasingly extreme summers.
What Comes Next
Meteorologists warn that this current heatwave could continue for several more days, with high overnight temperatures providing little relief. The Met Office says there’s a chance of further records being broken if current patterns persist.
Citizens are urged to remain vigilant and stay informed via official weather and health alerts.
Key Facts:
- UK temperature hits 45°C, breaking national record
- Met Office issues red extreme heat warning
- Surge in hospital admissions and wildfire outbreaks
- Infrastructure under severe strain, especially transport and power
- Climate change scientists warn this is part of a long-term trend