New June record set as red heat warning in place but cooler weather coming
New June Record Tied as Heatwave Intensifies, Cooler Weather Approaches
New June record set as red heat - Friday saw Santon Downham in Suffolk surpass the June temperature record with a peak of 37.3°C (99°F). This marks the third straight day this week that the record has been exceeded, following Merryfield in Somerset’s 36.7°C (98°F) on Thursday. Southern England and Wales experienced prolonged overnight warmth, with temperatures consistently above 20°C, fueling rapid daytime heating.
Heat Warnings Remain Active
A red extreme heat warning from the Met Office is active for parts of southeast England and central southern regions up to Oxfordshire, with temperatures possibly reaching 35–37°C (95°F to 98.6°F). While the worst of the heat may shift eastward, Friday’s weather promises some relief as cooler air moves in from the west. However, thunderstorm warnings are also in effect, signaling potential disruptions.
"A tropical night is defined as when the temperature does not drop below 20°C during a 24-hour period between 09:00 and 09:00."
Thursday’s heatwave broke temperature records across all UK nations, with Merryfield hitting 36.7°C (98°F) in England and Cardiff reaching 36.6°C in Wales. Scotland and Northern Ireland also recorded their highest temperatures of the year, 31.2°C in Threave and 30°C at Castlederg, respectively. Although a tropical night was widely experienced, Herstmonceux in East Sussex recorded only 22.7°C, falling short of Cardiff’s 23.5°C on Wednesday night, which surpassed the 1976 record.
Historically, tropical nights are common in summer but rare in May and June. This trend suggests that early morning temperatures are already elevated, allowing for swift rises later in the day. The cooling effect from westerly winds and Atlantic air will gradually ease the intensity in Scotland, Northern Ireland, and western Wales, with temperatures dropping to the low twenties by Sunday.
On Saturday, temperatures are expected to remain above 30°C, though the amber heat warning will persist until 09:00 on Sunday. The southeast England and East Anglia regions may still see temperatures in the low 30s, while the rest of the country experiences more moderate conditions. By Sunday, peak temperatures will align closer to seasonal averages, ranging from the high teens to mid twenties.
Forecast and Additional Resources
For localized updates, visit the official forecast page. Further insights into thunderstorms and lightning safety can be found in the related article: “How not to get struck by lightning” and “Why this heatwave feels worse than the last one.”