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UK Heatwave Shatters June Record Amidst Thunderstorms
26 Jun
Summary
- June's record temperature of 36.7°C was broken before overnight thunderstorms.
- Lightning strike caused a fire at a nursing home, hospitalizing one person.
- Temperatures are expected to ease over the weekend after disruptions.
A provisional record for the highest temperature in June was set in the UK, reaching 36.7°C at Merryfield, Somerset, on Thursday. This marked the peak of a significant heatwave before overnight thunderstorms signaled its imminent end. The dramatic weather shift was accompanied by dangerous lightning strikes across Bristol, Somerset, and Wiltshire.
One severe incident involved a lightning strike igniting a fire at a nursing home in Glastonbury. Emergency services responded, and one individual required hospitalization due to the event. The extreme heat had previously placed immense pressure on the NHS, led to numerous school closures, and caused considerable disruption to public transport services.
As the weekend approaches, forecasters anticipate a gradual decrease in temperatures. This cooling trend offers a reprieve from the unprecedented heat, though the impacts on public services and infrastructure are expected to persist for a short period.
