The Met Office has confirmed that last month was the hottest June on record for England, with the hottest June day ever recorded occurring last week. The announcement comes as the UK braces for a new heatwave, with a four-day heat alert issued for five areas expecting temperatures up to 30°C.
Record-Breaking Temperatures
According to the Met Office, June 2026 surpassed all previous records for average temperatures in England. The hottest day of the month saw temperatures peak at an unprecedented level, though specific figures have not yet been released. The previous record for the hottest June day was set in 2019, when temperatures reached 38.7°C in Cambridge.
New Heatwave on the Horizon
As the UK recovers from the record-breaking heat, a new heatwave is set to hit. The Met Office has issued a four-day heat alert, warning of temperatures returning to 30°C in five areas. The alert, which covers parts of southern and central England, urges residents to stay hydrated and avoid prolonged sun exposure.
“We are seeing a pattern of increasingly frequent and intense heatwaves,” a Met Office spokesperson said. “This is consistent with climate change projections.”
Impact on Health and Infrastructure
The heatwave poses risks to vulnerable populations, including the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions. The NHS has advised people to check on neighbors and relatives, and to seek shade during peak hours. Transport networks have also been affected, with speed restrictions on railways to prevent track buckling.
Environmental groups have called for urgent action to address climate change. “This is a stark reminder that we are in a climate emergency,” said a spokesperson from Friends of the Earth. “We need to cut emissions and adapt to a hotter world.”
