Met Office Issues First Red Extreme Heat Warning; 40°C June Peak Possible

The UK's weather authority issued its inaugural Red Extreme Heat Warning on 22 June for South Wales, Southern England, and the Midlands. A 50% probability of temperatures reaching 40°C exists—most likely along the A1 corridor—threatening the June record of 35.6°C set in 1976. The warning tier signals public should alter behavior, not merely take precautions, triggering elevated response across emergency services and NHS trusts.