The UK set a provisional June temperature record of 37.7C on Friday – even higher than previously thought – as parts of the UK sweltered in a punishing heatwave.
The Met Office said an update received over the weekend of 37.7C measured at Lingwood in Norfolk, east of Norwich, beats the 37.3C recorded at Santon Downham in Suffolk on Friday, and is a provisional new June temperature record for the UK.
It beats the previous June record for the UK of 35.6C dating back to 1976 by more than 2C, which is significant given such records have usually been broken by only a fraction of a degree in the past.
Scientists warned on Friday that the June 2026 heatwave would have been virtually impossible 50 years ago, with human-driven climate change fuelling more intense and frequent extreme heat events.
The June temperature record that had stood since 1976 was repeatedly broken during last week’s heatwave, as exceptionally hot and humid conditions led the Met Office to issue a rare red warning for extreme heat for some areas – the first time it has issued such a warning for three days in a row.
The heatwave forced schools and nurseries to close and led to record call-outs for ambulances and hospitals declaring critical incidents, train cancellations, court delays and a hosepipe ban in Kent because of soaring water demand.
Greater Manchester Police said a body of a teenage boy had been recovered from Clifton Country Park in Swinton, after officers were called to reports of a 15-year-old getting into difficulty in the water on Saturday.
While formal identification has yet to take place, specialist officers are supporting the family at this difficult time, the police said.
Detective Inspector Dave Ogden from Salford CID said: “Saturday’s incident is truly heart breaking, and my thoughts remain with the family and loved ones of the young boy who has so tragically lost his life.
“While we are satisfied there are no suspicious circumstances, this incident is an incredibly upsetting reminder of the serious risks associated with open water.
“We understand people want to make the most of the warm weather, but we would urge everyone to stay safe and avoid entering reservoirs, rivers, canals or ponds.
“Please take care and enjoy the weather in a safe way.”
The Met Office said temperatures had returned to average for the coming week, bringing largely settled conditions, but there would be a return to heat in the early part of next week.
This is likely to lead to a return to heatwave conditions for some, but it is unlikely to deliver the extreme high temperatures or humidity seen last week, the weather service said.
Tony Wisson, Met Office deputy chief forecaster, said: “Toward the weekend, high pressure will continue to build in across most of the UK as it extends from the Azores.
“This will lead to more settled, warm or very warm conditions for many, especially across England and Wales, though some rain may still affect the far north.
“The forecast for this weekend suggests that temperatures could approach high 20Cs across parts of England, perhaps 30C in parts of the South East, with values of mid to high 20Cs in Wales.
“Although a return to heatwave conditions is looking increasingly likely for some areas, the likelihood of such extreme high temperatures or high levels of humidity as last week is currently low.”
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