The UK has just experienced its hottest June ever, with temperatures soaring to unprecedented heights. Provisional figures from the Met Office show that the average temperature for the month was a sizzling 15.8°C, eclipsing the previous record of 15.7°C set in both 1940 and 1976.
Every corner of the UK felt the warmth, with all four nations experiencing their warmest June on record. England's average temperature reached 16.7°C, while Scotland's was a relatively mild 13.9°C. Wales recorded 15.7°C, and Northern Ireland averaged 15.3°C. The prolonged sunshine and scarce rainfall only added to drought concerns in some regions.
The Met Office has issued heatwave warnings for parts of the UK over the coming days, predicting temperatures could reach up to 30°C in southern and central England, with widespread high twenties anticipated elsewhere. This follows hard on the heels of June's record-breaking temperatures, raising concerns about heat stress and related health issues.
Public health officials are urging residents to take precautions during the expected heatwave. Advice includes staying hydrated, avoiding the hottest parts of the day (usually between 11 am and 3 pm), and checking in on vulnerable friends, family, and neighbours. The elderly, young children, and those with pre-existing health conditions are most at risk from the heat.
This latest record serves as a stark reminder of the increasing frequency of extreme weather events in the UK, a trend scientists link to climate change. The Met Office has highlighted that all ten of the UK's warmest years on record have occurred since 2002, underscoring the urgent need for policymakers and communities to adapt to these changing climatic conditions.