UK heatwave latest: Hospital declares critical incident with temperatures even higher today

A Portsmouth hospital has declared a critical incident on the third day of the gruelling heatwave after its cooler units suffered a meltdown.

A heat dome is gripping western Europe for most of this week, sparking extreme temperatures in the UK and France, with the Met Office expecting temperatures to hit 39C as red and amber weather warnings remain in place.

Queen Alexandra Hospital declared the incident after its chiller units supporting crucial infrastructure, like theaters and laboratories, broke down. More than 500 schools, most of them in southern England, remain partially or fully shut.

Several attractions have also said it is too hot to stay open for visitors, including London’s Tower Bridge and Cutty Sark, and Greggs, among other shops and restaurants, have closed their stores.

And travel continues to be affected, with most train companies telling people to only travel if absolutely necessary, while the London Underground has regularly been hit by weather-related disruption, including on the Elizabeth line today.

Temperatures are expected to continue surging today, potentially surpassing 39C, and causing more disruption across the country.

Follow our live blog for the latest on the scorching heatwave.