Europe Heatwave Shatters June Temperature Records

A significant heatwave across western Europe last week resulted in the breaking of multiple national records for June maximum temperatures, alongside new all-time high readings.

The United Kingdom registered a provisional temperature of 37.7C in Lingwood, Norfolk, on Friday, June 27. This figure substantially surpassed the prior June record of 35.6C, which was set in 1976. The magnitude of this increase, 2.1 degrees Celsius, is considered exceptional, as temperature records typically see smaller increments of 0.1 or 0.2 degrees.

Germany experienced its own record-breaking conditions, with a temperature of 41.7C recorded in Coschen on June 28. This reading followed three consecutive days of new all-time high temperatures in the country. The Netherlands also set a new June record, reaching 39.4C on June 26. Further east, Hungary broke its all-time temperature record on June 30, with 42C recorded in Szécsény.

These extreme temperatures highlight the intensity of the recent weather event across the continent. The widespread nature of the record-breaking temperatures underscores the significant climatic conditions experienced throughout western Europe during this period.