England has just experienced its hottest June on record, with temperatures soaring above the previous high by a staggering margin of almost three degrees Celsius. The Met Office confirmed a mean temperature of 17.1C for the month, a full 3C above the average, as the UK sweltered through an unprecedented heatwave.
The extreme conditions led to the UK's highest June temperature ever recorded: Lingwood in Norfolk reached a scorching 37.7C on Friday, 26th June. This broke the previous record of 35.6C set back in 1957 and matched by a notable heatwave in 1976.
The impact was felt across all four home nations. Wales saw its second warmest June on record, with Cardiff reaching a sweltering 35.9C on Thursday, 25th June - the highest temperature ever recorded in the country during this month. Northern Ireland also experienced its own record-equalling temperatures, with Castlederg in County Tyrone reaching 30.8C.
These record-breaking temperatures follow a hot May, which saw Kew in London reach an unprecedented 35.1C. The extreme heat was not confined to the UK, however - Europe as a whole suffered through its own bout of sweltering conditions. New June records were set in countries including Hungary, Austria, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Denmark.
France, particularly, saw its hottest ever day on record, with average temperatures across the country reaching 30C for the first time over a 24-hour period. This surpassed even the heatwaves of August 2003 and July 2019.
The human cost is becoming increasingly clear. France's national health ministry has reported approximately 1,000 excess deaths among those aged over 65. Spain followed suit with 1,029 excess deaths attributed to the extreme heat. These numbers serve as a stark reminder of the severe health risks posed by prolonged periods of high temperatures.
Met Office advice during such extreme conditions includes staying hydrated, avoiding strenuous activity during the hottest parts of the day and seeking shade. Crucially, it is essential to check on vulnerable individuals - the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions - who may be particularly susceptible to heat-related illnesses.
As climate change continues to drive more frequent and intense heatwaves, understanding and preparing for these events is crucial. Spanish forecasters note that half of the 12 June heatwaves recorded in Spain since 1975 have occurred in the last decade alone, underlining the need for urgent action to mitigate its effects.