England experienced its warmest June since records began in 1865, and the UK recorded its second warmest June overall, according to new data from the Met Office. The month was characterized by exceptionally high temperatures both during the day and at night.
The mean temperature for June reached 17.1C (62.8F), which is nearly 3C above the average for the month. Frequent "tropical nights," where overnight temperatures do not fall below 20C (68F), significantly contributed to this elevated monthly average.
On June 26, 2026, the UK's highest June temperature on record was set at 37.7C (99.9F) in Lingwood, Norfolk. This surpassed the previous record of 35.6C (96F), which was first set in 1957 and later matched during the 1976 heatwave.
A rare red extreme heat warning was issued by the Met Office for parts of England and Wales. In some eastern areas of England, this warning remained in effect for an unprecedented three consecutive days.
Wales also recorded its second warmest June, with the hottest June day documented at 35.9C (96.6F) in Cardiff on June 25. This broke the prior Welsh June record of 33.7C (92.6F).
Northern Ireland matched its June temperature record with a high of 30.8C (87.4F) recorded in Castlederg, County Tyrone.
These record-breaking June temperatures follow a significant May heatwave, during which London's Kew recorded 35.1C (95.2F), breaking the previous May high of 32.8C (91F) set in 1922 and equaled in 1944.