June 2026 will be remembered as a period which included notable heat across parts of the UK, with a number of long-standing temperature records either provisionally broken or equalled.
Prolonged hot conditions, combined with high humidity, led to both exceptionally high daytime temperatures and unusually warm nights. New UK temperature records for June stole the headlines, but hundreds of individual weather stations also broke their own June temperature records.
Over 150 weather stations set their own highest maximum temperature record for June, with a similar amount also setting records for their highest minimum temperature the month, including a number of sites with over 100 years of records.
The below national records are provisional, pending a verification process which will take place in the coming weeks.
Record-breaking daytime temperatures
England saw the most significant new national record for June daily maximum temperature. A provisional high of 37.7°C was recorded at Lingwood, Strumpshaw Hill on 26 June, surpassing the previous record of 35.6°C set at Southampton in June 1976.
Wales also experienced exceptional heat, with 35.9°C recorded at Cardiff Bute Park on 25 June, breaking the previous June record of 33.7°C set in 2000.
In Northern Ireland, the June record was equalled rather than broken, with 30.8°C recorded at Castlederg on 25 June, matching the long-standing value set in 1976 at Knockarevan.
Scotland, meanwhile, retained its previous June maximum temperature record, with no new record set during this heatwave.
These temperatures highlight how intense the late June heat became, particularly across England and Wales, with values well into the mid-30s Celsius during the peak of the event.
You can explore these records using our interactive map below. Click on a country to see its previous and new records.
Unusually warm nights
Alongside the daytime heat, the heatwave was also notable for very high overnight temperatures, often referred to as ‘tropical nights’, where temperatures remain above 20°C.
The UK and Wales saw a new record for overnight temperatures, with 23.5°C recorded at Cardiff Bute Park on 25 June, surpassing the previous record of 20.0°C set in 2023.
England also recorded a new June minimum temperature record, with 23.2°C observed at Hastings on 26 June, exceeding the previous record of 22.7°C set in 1976.
Northern Ireland experienced a new record minimum as well, with 19.1°C observed at Murlough on 26 June, exceeding the previous record of 18.2°C set in 2025.
In Scotland, however, the existing June record minimum temperature was not surpassed during this event.
These elevated overnight values contributed to a period of sustained heat stress, particularly in urban areas where temperatures remained high through the night.
You can explore these records using our interactive map below. Click on a country to see its previous and new records.
A notable early summer heat event
While high temperatures are not unusual in summer, the extent and persistence of heat during June 2026 are particularly notable. Records dating back several decades, in some cases over a century, were challenged or exceeded during this event.
The combination of extreme daytime heat and very warm nights is especially significant, as it increases the impacts on infrastructure, health and wellbeing. Prolonged periods without overnight relief can make conditions more difficult, particularly for vulnerable groups.
Events such as this highlight the importance of continued monitoring and understanding of temperature extremes across the UK. Observations and records provide crucial context for how current events compare with the historical climate.
While temperatures will naturally vary from year to year, periods of extreme heat such as this remain significant for both the public and meteorologists alike. Continuing to track, analyse and communicate these events helps improve awareness and preparedness for future episodes of hot weather.
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