The Met Office has confirmed that June was the hottest on record for England, with the mean temperature 2.5C above average.
For Wales, it was the third warmest, but Scotland and Northern Ireland didn’t even make it into their top ten for June. As a result, for the UK as a whole, it ended up being the second-warmest June on record.
June mean temperatures compared to average
UK: 1.9C above, England: 2.5C above, Wales: 1.8C above, Scotland: 1.0C above, N. Ireland: 1.1C above
June sunshine compared to average
England was the only nation to be sunnier than normal. Scotland and Wales had sunshine amounts close to average, whereas Northern Ireland was duller than average.
UK: 12% above, England: 24% above, Wales: 2% below, Scotland: 4% below, N. Ireland: 18% below
June rainfall compared to average
There was a big contrast in rainfall amounts across the UK in June. England was drier than average, whereas Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland were wetter than average.
UK: 3% above, England: 20% below, Wales: 24% above, Scotland: 21% above, N. Ireland: 28% above
Why such big contrasts?
June has seen several intense and early summer heatwaves develop over Iberia, with the UK on the northwestern periphery of these.
At times, the heat reached southern and eastern parts of the UK – hence the focus for June warmth over England.
Scotland, Wales and N. Ireland whilst warm, were still affected by low pressure systems bring wind, rain and relatively cooler air off the Atlantic Ocean.
Some interesting facts
- This June, both England and Wales experienced warmth that was equal to or warmer than an average July.
- England’s mean temperature of 16.9C this June is warmer than the average for July, which is 16.4C.
- Wales’ mean temperature of 15.3C this June is equal to the average for July.
The warming trend continues
Climate change and the release of greenhouse gases continues to cause the UK’s climate to get warmer, with this trend mirrored for the month of June – increasing the frequency, intensity and duration of heatwaves.
