Key facts
- England has recorded its hottest June on record, with temperatures reaching 37.7C.
- The UK and Switzerland set new June temperature records.
- Extreme heat across Europe has been linked to increased mortality and health emergencies.
- A yellow heat-health alert has been issued for parts of England.
- Amber heat health alerts are in place for several regions in England.
England has officially recorded its hottest June ever, with temperatures reaching a provisional high of 37.7C in Lingwood, Norfolk. This surpasses previous June records and contributes to the UK's second warmest June overall. Across western Europe, extreme heat, exacerbated by the climate crisis, has led to a surge in medical emergencies and fatalities.
Switzerland also set a new June temperature record, exceeding 38C in Basel. The UK experienced its hottest night on record for June in Cardiff, with temperatures remaining above 23.5C. Millions across western Europe faced temperatures exceeding 35C. In France, the hottest night since 1947 was recorded, and the heat has been linked to the deaths of children and numerous drownings. The country's nuclear reactors were temporarily shut down due to hot cooling waters, and emergency services reported a significant increase in heat-related incidents.
Spain's heatwave is estimated to have caused over 200 deaths, with daily average temperatures in June reaching levels not seen since at least 1950. In Italy, court hearings were suspended in Palermo due to malfunctioning air conditioning. In response to the anticipated hot weather, yellow and amber heat health alerts have been issued across various regions of England, with the UK Health Security Agency warning of potential strain on health and social care services.