Expert comment: June set to be hottest on record

This month is set to be the hottest June on University records, according to Dr Stephen Burt from the Department of Meteorology at the University of Reading.

He explains: “We still have today and tomorrow's readings to include, but it seems very likely that June will be the hottest on the University's records, which extend back to 1908.

“The mean temperature (average of the daily maximum and minimum temperatures) currently stands at 18.2 °C (2.6 °C above 1991-2020 normal), just ahead of June 1976 (18.1 °C), June 2006 (17.1 °C) and June 1940 (17.0 °C). Hot Junes are surprisingly uncommon, and it is very likely that this has been the hottest June in this part of the UK since 1846, and before that 1676, using the Central England Temperature series.

“Temperatures are expected to reach 22 °C in Reading today (Thursday, 29 June), and 19 °C tomorrow (Friday, 30 June) according to the Met Office, so I expect these readings won't change the mean temperatures by very much and June 2023 could become the hottest on the University’s records.”

“In June, rainfall amounts were close to normal, with rain falling on only four days so far this month.

“Sunshine levels have been well above normal - the Campbell-Stokes record to yesterday (Wednesday, 27 June) amounting to 239 hours, against the 1991-2020 normal of 195 hours (+23%), with today and tomorrow still to be included.”