June 30, 2026 | London
The United Kingdom is entering a cooler phase this week following a spell of record-breaking heat, but forecasters warn the relief may be temporary.
The Met Office confirmed on Monday that a new provisional June temperature record of 37.7C was recorded in Lingwood, Norfolk on June 26, following further data analysis. The figure surpasses the previously reported 37.3C recorded in Santon Downham on the same day.
If verified, the new reading would set a historic benchmark, exceeding the long-standing June record of 35.6C set in 1976.
The record comes after three consecutive days of unprecedented June temperatures, highlighting the intensity of last week’s heatwave.
This week, a shift in weather patterns is bringing cooler and more unsettled conditions. South-westerly winds from the Atlantic are lowering temperatures and humidity, while areas of low pressure are introducing rain across parts of the country.
Temperatures on Monday are settling into the mid-20s Celsius, particularly across the Midlands and eastern England, offering a marked contrast to the extreme heat experienced days earlier.
Rain is expected to develop more widely on Tuesday, particularly across northern and western regions, with the potential for heavy and thundery showers. Additional low-pressure systems are set to move through midweek, bringing further rain and stronger winds, especially in Northern Ireland.
Despite the unsettled outlook, southern and south-eastern parts of England are likely to remain drier, with temperatures hovering around 25 to 26C, still above seasonal averages but significantly lower than last week’s peaks.
By the end of the week, conditions may shift once again.
Forecasters indicate that a high-pressure system extending from the Azores could settle over the UK and western Europe into early July. If established, this pattern may trigger another heatwave, with some models projecting temperatures climbing back toward 35C in parts of the country.
What we do know is that heatwaves in the UK are becoming more intense and more frequent due to human-induced climate change.
Long-term climate outlook reflected in meteorological assessments
While projections remain uncertain, the broader trend is clearer. Heatwaves in the UK are increasing in both frequency and severity, reshaping what is considered typical summer weather.
The immediate drop in temperature may offer short-term relief, but it does little to change the underlying trajectory.
The UK is cooling down, for now. The bigger question is how long that calm will hold before the next surge of heat arrives.