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A scorching heatwave has engulfed the United Kingdom today, June 30, 2025, with temperatures in London soaring to a blistering 35°C. This makes the UK capital feel even hotter than Dhaka, Bangladesh, which is experiencing heavy thunderstorms and a high of 32°C (feels like 39°C due to humidity). Meanwhile, Sylhet, Bangladesh, faces scattered thunderstorms and a high of 34°C (feels like 42°C), and New York City is experiencing light rain with a high of 30°C (feels like 32°C), Daily Dazzling Dawn understands.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued an amber alert for large parts of England, valid until 6 PM tomorrow, July 1, warning of serious health risks, particularly for vulnerable individuals. This marks the second heat health alert in two weeks for the UK.
Heatwave Spreads Across the UK
Weather maps reveal a "glowing red furnace" across much of the British Isles. While south-east England and London are bearing the brunt with expected highs of 35°C, the Home Counties will see temperatures between 30°C and 34°C. The Midlands are braced for 33°C, and even northern cities like Manchester, Leeds, and York will experience highs around 30°C. Nationwide, temperatures are not expected to fall below 14°C.
Rising Death Toll and Wildfire Fears
This severe heat comes amidst grave concerns for public health. Researchers have estimated that nearly 600 heat-related deaths were expected in England and Wales between June 19 and June 22 alone, with London predicted to have the highest number of casualties. This highlights a concerning trend of increasing heat-related illness and fatalities.
The London Fire Brigade has also sounded the alarm, raising the risk of wildfires to "severe" due to persistently low rainfall in recent months coupled with the searing temperatures. Assistant Commissioner Thomas Goodall urged the public to act responsibly, stating, "As the weather has been so dry, it only takes a few sparks to lead to a fire spreading rapidly."
Europe Also Grapples with Extreme Heat
The UK is not alone in facing an intense heatwave. Southern Europe is currently sweltering under its first major heatwave of the summer, with temperatures surpassing 40°C in countries like Italy, Spain, Greece, and Portugal. Records have been broken, with one Spanish town reportedly reaching 46°C. This widespread heat has led to significant health warnings and a heightened risk of wildfires across the continent. While exact current figures for heatwave-related deaths across all of Europe in 2025 are still emerging, early estimates indicate over 684 deaths so far, with Spain alone reporting over 114 fatalities. This follows a previous study that estimated over 61,000 heat-related deaths across 35 European countries during the exceptionally hot summer of 2022, underscoring the growing public health crisis posed by extreme heat.
Authorities across the UK and Europe continue to advise residents to stay hydrated, seek shade, and check on vulnerable neighbours and family members to mitigate the health risks posed by this unprecedented heat.
