London is experiencing its hottest-ever June day as the blistering heatwave takes temperatures to 36.4C.
The high was recorded at Heathrow, beating the previous record of 35.6C in Camden in 1957.
Meanwhile, a new UK June heat record was set in Wattisham in Suffolk, which reached 36.9C on Friday afternoon.
A red heat health warning is in place for London until 9pm.
The Met Office earlier said highest temperature would be “shift towards east and southeastern England, where maximum temperatures in the shade could exceed 36 Celsius, perhaps rising to 38 Celsius in some places”.
The heatwave has impacted hundreds of schools, shops and offices in London, with many closing on the hottest days.
It is also causing disruption on the railways, with multiple train operators urging passengers not to travel.
The Elizabeth line is running a reduced service between Paddington and Heathrow “due to extreme weather”, according to TfL.
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Live updates
June record broken again
The record for the UK’s hottest day in June has been broken for the third time this week.
Wattisham in Suffolk recorded a temperature of 36.9C this afternoon.
It beats yesterday’s record of 36.7C.
London passport office closed
The London passport office has been closed due to the extreme heat.
Temperatures have hit around 34C and 35C across London this lunchtime.
Other services, including transport, are expected to be disrupted as organisations struggle to operate normally.
How to sleep in a heatwave: 10 tips to cool down at night
Tropical nights not only make it tricky to get some shuteye, but they can prevent proper recovery from the daytime heat, according to the Met Office.
So, as the heatwave takes a hold, here are some tips that can help you get through the sweltering nights.
Temperature hits 34.6C in London
The mercury hit 34.6C at midday in Heathrow, west London in another sweltering day for the capital.
The record set earlier this week for the UK’s hottest June day at 35.6C could be broken again today as temperatures continue to rise.
In pictures: Friday's heatwave in London
Emergency callouts surge amid heatwave
Health chiefs are warning of the impact the heatwave is having on services as they face significantly more life-threatening emergency calls with record-breaking temperatures continuing to scorch the country.
Schools and nurseries have been forced to closed and a hosepipe ban has been brought in for Kent amid surging demand.
Several hospitals have declared critical incidents, with University Hospital Southampton being forced to cancel a number of planned operations and some outpatient appointments.
The London Ambulance Service (LAS) responded to its highest number of life-threatening emergencies ever on Wednesday, and its chief operating officer Craig Harman said he expects “demand to grow day on day over the next couple of days”.
Could the capital break the June temperature record?
Temperatures in London are still around 34C as we enter the afternoon.
There is a chance that the capital sets the all time June record temperature later today, with the Met Office predicting highs of around 36C.
Cardiac arrests in London jump by third during heatwave
Cardiac arrests in London jumped by a third during the heatwave this week as temperatures soared on public transport, the capital’s ambulance chief has said.
Jason Killens, chief executive of London Ambulance Service, told how the number of 999 calls received soared by around 50% from some 5,500 to around 8000 on Wednesday, when temperatures spiralled to 35.1C in the capital.
This figure included the highest ever number of life-threatening emergency calls that the LAS has responded to in a single day.
You can read the full story here:
Cardiac arrests in London jump by third in heatwave as temperatures soar on Tube
London Ambulance Service chief says capital can be ‘particularly difficult’ during heatwaves with people travelling around on public transport
Khan working to get more support for bus drivers in heatwave
Sadiq Khan is working to get more support for bus drivers to help them cope with the hot weather.
The Unite union welcomed the Mayor of London’s commitment after campaigning for help for its members in the capital’s bus network.
A spokesperson for Sir Sadiq said: “The mayor recognises the vital role of London’s hard-working bus drivers to keep the capital moving around the clock, and he is committed to continually improving working conditions.
“The mayor is in close contact with TfL during the heatwave and has asked that they work with bus operators to put in place more support for drivers.
“This is in addition to the comprehensive hot weather plan in place to protect all staff and customers during the warm weather.
“All driver cabs are fitted with air-cooling systems and checks on these are taking place.
“If air-cooling systems on a vehicle are not functioning and drivers do not feel they can carry out their duties safely, they should contact the controller and stop driving, with no risk of any penalties.”
Over 34C by 11am
The Met Office is reporting a temperature of 34.5C at Heathrow as of 11am.
It is unlikely to dip below 30C any time before 9pm this evening.
