Last month, June 2026, was the second hottest June on record globally, with an average temperature of 16.54°C (61.77°F). This figure is closely behind June 2024, which recorded 16.66°C (61.98°F). The ongoing development of a Super El Niño is cited as a partial reason for the significant heat.
Western Europe experienced unprecedented temperatures, marking its warmest June on record. The region's average temperature reached 20.74°C (69.33°F), which is 3.05°C (5.49°F) above the 1991-2020 average. This heatwave, particularly intense during the latter half of the month, led to record-breaking temperatures across several European countries and contributed to severe health impacts, including heat-related deaths. The Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) noted that the succession of heatwaves illustrates a growing challenge from increasingly frequent and intense extreme heat events globally.
Globally, the average surface air temperature was 0.56°C (1.0°F) above the 1991-2020 average, and 1.39°C (2.5°F) above the pre-industrial 1850-1900 average. The C3S highlighted that the climate system continues to accumulate heat, resulting in more intense heatwaves, persistently warm oceans, and increasing risks for ecosystems and infrastructure.
Sea surface temperatures also reached record highs, with extra-polar oceans recording an average of 20.86°C (69.54°F). Conditions in large portions of the tropical Pacific, where El Niño is present, showed exceptionally high sea surface temperatures. Researchers anticipate these temperatures may rise further in the coming months as El Niño strengthens.
In the United Kingdom, provisional figures from the Met Office confirmed England experienced its hottest June ever, with an average temperature of 17.1°C, surpassing the previous record set in 2025. This exceptional warmth was attributed to a significant heatwave at the month's end and an increase in 'tropical nights,' where temperatures remain above 20°C. For the UK, June 2026 is provisionally the second warmest on record, behind June 2023. Wales recorded its second warmest June, while Scotland and Northern Ireland each had their joint fourth warmest June since 1884.
Met Office Chief Scientist Professor Stephen Belcher described the June temperatures in the UK as "sobering," emphasizing their connection to climate change and the significant health implications, alongside impacts on transportation, energy, and water supplies.