England Records Warmest June Since 1865 as UK Sees Second-Hottest Month

England recorded its warmest June since records began in 1865, according to data released by the Met Office. Mean temperatures for the month reached 17.1C across England, nearly 3C above the long-term average. Frequent nights when temperatures stayed above 20C contributed to the elevated monthly mean. The previous June record of 35.6C had stood since 1957.

Wales recorded its second-warmest June, with a daily maximum of 35.9C measured in Cardiff on 25 June. Northern Ireland equalled its June record high with 30.8C at Castlederg, County Tyrone. A red extreme heat warning remained in force for parts of England and Wales for three consecutive days.

Several other European countries also set new June temperature records. France reported its hottest day on record, with a national 24-hour average exceeding 30C for the first time. France's national health ministry reported approximately 1,000 excess deaths during the heatwave, many among people over age 65.

Spain recorded 1,029 excess deaths attributed to the heat. The full European death toll is expected to take weeks or months to determine. Officials noted that heatwaves have become more frequent in recent decades.