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The United Kingdom has been experiencing an unprecedented heatwave this week, with temperatures reaching record highs for the month of June. On Wednesday afternoon, a scorching 36.0 degrees Celsius was recorded in Wisley, Surrey, making it the hottest June day ever in the UK. This figure significantly surpasses the previous June record of 35.6 degrees Celsius, which had stood since 1957 and was equalled in 1976.

Across southern England and the Midlands, temperatures have widely soared into the low to mid-thirties, creating extremely uncomfortable conditions. In response to this extreme weather, the Met Office, the UK’s national weather service, extended its highest alert – a red warning for extreme heat – further south. This severe warning remains active across parts of southern England, the Midlands, and south Wales until Thursday night. Notably, this marks the first time that Wales has ever been subject to such a red warning, and only the second occasion the Met Office has issued one anywhere in the UK.

For a broader area of England, an amber warning for extreme heat is in place for the entirety of Friday, with a further warning specifically targeting the east and south-east of England for Saturday. While these temperatures are exceptionally high for June, they are still anticipated to be slightly lower than the UK’s all-time record of 40.3 degrees Celsius, which was established in 2022.

The combination of intense heat and high humidity is exacerbating conditions, making them even more challenging. The “feels like” temperature, which takes humidity into account, is considerably higher than the actual recorded temperature, with some regions experiencing sensations into the low forties Celsius. This oppressive heat has also compelled over a thousand schools to close or shut early across southern England to safeguard students and staff.

Furthermore, the Met Office has issued a yellow warning for thunderstorms in south-west England for Thursday evening. Although many areas might avoid the most severe aspects of these storms, they could potentially cause localised disruption. Adding to the discomfort are what meteorologists term “tropical nights” – nights when the temperature does not fall below 20 degrees Celsius. It is highly probable that this week will see the warmest June night on record, with minimum temperatures across Wales, the Midlands, and south-east England not expected to drop below 21 to 23 degrees Celsius. This could potentially exceed the current UK record for a warm night in June, which was 22.7 degrees Celsius in 1979.

This sequence of record-breaking weather events starkly highlights the ongoing impact of climate change.

1. What is the main topic of the article?

• A.The history of temperature records in the UK.
• B.The current extreme heatwave affecting the UK and its various impacts.
• C.How the Met Office issues different types of weather warnings.
• D.The comparison between the UK’s current heatwave and global climate change.

2. According to the article, what was the exact temperature recorded in Wisley, Surrey, that set a new June record?

• A.35.6 degrees Celsius
• B.40.3 degrees Celsius
• C.36.0 degrees Celsius
• D.22.7 degrees Celsius

3. Why have over a thousand schools in southern England reportedly closed or shut early?

• A.To protect the health and safety of students and staff from the extreme heat.
• B.Due to impending thunderstorms in the south-west of England.
• C.Because the Met Office issued a red warning across the region.
• D.To allow students and staff to experience the tropical nights.

4. Which of the following best describes the Met Office’s approach to the current heatwave?

• A.Casual and unconcerned, as temperatures are below the all-time record.
• B.Primarily focused on historical temperature comparisons.
• C.Only interested in issuing warnings for coastal regions.
• D.Serious and proactive in issuing warnings to ensure public safety.

5. In the first paragraph, the word “unprecedented” is used to describe the heatwave. What does “unprecedented” mean in this context?

• A.Expected and typical for this time of year.
• B.Never having happened or existed before.
• C.Causing only minor inconvenience to the public.
• D.Widely discussed and anticipated by meteorologists.