UK and Switzerland record hottest June temperatures as Europe heatwave strains health services

The UK and Switzerland both set new June temperature records on Thursday as a severe heatwave pushed much of western Europe into health alerts and public-service disruption.

The UK record changed more than once during the day. Early reporting put the benchmark at 36.4C in Yeovilton, Somerset, before later confirmation raised it to 36.7C in Merryfield, Somerset. That made it the hottest June day ever recorded in the UK.

The heat did not ease overnight. In Cardiff, the Met Office said the temperature did not fall below 23.5C, which it described as the warmest June night on record in the UK.

Switzerland also set a new national June benchmark. MeteoSuisse said Basel reached 38C, the hottest June temperature ever recorded in the country, and said readings above 37C in June had never been observed there before.

Record heat in the UK

The British record took shape over the course of the afternoon as temperatures kept climbing. The revised 36.7C reading in Somerset overtook the earlier 36.4C mark in Yeovilton, showing how quickly the situation was changing as the heatwave intensified.

That matters because the highest daytime readings are only part of the health risk. Prolonged heat, especially when it does not cool off at night, makes it harder for the body to recover and increases the danger for older people, those with existing medical conditions and anyone without access to effective cooling.

The Cardiff overnight minimum was significant for the same reason. Warm nights prevent the body from shedding heat after a hot day, which can worsen dehydration and cardiovascular strain and put added pressure on hospitals and emergency services.

Switzerland and the wider European picture

Basel’s 38C reading gave Switzerland its own new June record and underscored the breadth of the heat across western Europe. The record also broke a June benchmark that had stood since 1947, according to MeteoSuisse.

Reporting from across the continent described similar pressure elsewhere. France, Spain, Italy, Germany and the Netherlands were all reported to be dealing with serious disruption or weather alerts linked to the same heatwave.

The Guardian reported sharp rises in medical emergencies across Europe as temperatures stayed high. Other coverage pointed to strain on hospitals, ambulance services, schools and transport systems as authorities scrambled to manage the effects.

In the UK, London Ambulance Service was reported to have had its busiest-ever day for life-threatening emergencies. France was also reported to have shut down some nuclear reactors as temperatures rose, showing that the disruption was affecting infrastructure as well as health.

What happens next

Forecasters and national agencies are still monitoring whether the UK’s 36.7C reading will remain the final June record after official verification. Further updates are also possible in Switzerland if the heatwave produces additional high readings.

The main risks now are more record temperatures, more hot nights and a further increase in heat-related illness if the weather stays extreme. Health services across Europe are likely to remain under strain until temperatures ease and overnight lows fall.