England's warmest June on record down to record-breaking heatwave

England recorded its warmest June ever, with the UK experiencing the second warmest June in history, according to the Met Office. The average temperature for the month reached 17.1C, a staggering 3 degrees Celsius above the seasonal norm. This exceptional warmth was characterized by both hot days and unusually warm nights, with frequent 'tropical nights' where temperatures failed to drop below 20C.

The heatwave during June was particularly intense. On Friday, June 26, 2026, the UK's highest June temperature on record was shattered, reaching 37.7C in Lingwood, Norfolk. This surpassed the previous record of 35.6C, set in 1957 and matched during the notable 1976 heatwave. A rare red extreme heat warning was issued for parts of England and Wales, remaining in effect for an unprecedented three consecutive days in some eastern areas.

Other parts of the UK also experienced record-breaking heat. Wales recorded its second warmest June and its hottest June day, with Cardiff reaching 35.9C on Thursday, June 25. Northern Ireland equaled its June temperature record, registering 30.8C in Castlederg. These June records follow a significant May heatwave, which had already seen temperatures soar to 35.1C in London.