England records hottest June ever, new heatwave expected next week
England experienced its hottest June on record, and forecasters predict another heatwave next week.
How it was covered
- Channel 5 was the only channel found covering it.
- BBC One, BBC Two, Channel 4, GB News, ITV and Sky News: not found in tracked broadcasts.
The Full Story
A plain summary built from the channels that reported this story. Facts only one channel reported are attributed to it.
England has recorded its hottest June on record, with temperatures significantly above average. The Met Office issued a red warning for heat during the month, and forecasters say another heatwave is expected next week. The exceptional heat spread northwards and westwards across the UK, with Scotland also experiencing its fourth warmest June. Night-time temperatures were particularly oppressive due to high humidity, breaking records as well.
Looking ahead, high pressure is building again from a different position than the previous heatwave. While the earlier hot spell drew heat from the near continent, the upcoming heatwave is expected to bring air from the southwest, which may result in slightly fresher conditions and lower humidity. However, temperatures could still reach the 30s Celsius in parts of England and Wales next week, likely meeting heatwave criteria.
Meteorologists attribute the increasing frequency of extreme heat events to climate change. Over the past 50 years, the planet has warmed significantly, and for every degree of warming, the atmosphere can hold about seven percent more humidity. This combination of high heat and high humidity is a growing concern. The El Nino natural cycle also adds about 0.2 to 0.3 degrees of warmth globally, but climate change is seen as the primary driver. A study of the 2022 extreme heat found it was ten times more likely because of climate change. Forecasters warn that 40-degree temperatures, seen just a few years ago, are likely to become more common in the next decade.
Key Claims
Claims reported during this story's coverage, grouped by how many channels reported each one. Select a dot to see the source excerpt.
| Claim |  |
|---|---|
| Only on one channel | |
| A study found that the extreme heat in 2022 was ten times more likely because of climate change. | |
| England experienced its hottest June on record, with temperatures three degrees above average. | |
| Scotland had its fourth warmest June on record. | |
Channel Perspectives
What each channel focused on, with key quotes.
The channel focused on the record-breaking June heat and the upcoming heatwave, with a detailed interview with meteorologist Claire Nazir. The tone was informative and concerned, emphasising the role of climate change and the increasing frequency of extreme heat events. The segment also highlighted the oppressive night-time temperatures and the difference in air mass origin for the next heatwave.
- “England saw its hottest June on record. Above the average, we saw three degrees more, which is really incredible.”
- “What was really quite extraordinary, Danny, were the nights. And I think everyone can agree that they were oppressive for many.”
- “In the next decade, we're likely to see far more commonplace those 40 degree temperatures that we saw just a few years ago.”
Broadcast Timeline
News broadcasts tracked for this story, in time order.