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UK sizzles in record-breaking June heat bearing ‘fingerprint of climate change’, experts say

  • Last month was the hottest June on record in Britain – going back almost 140 years – and beating previous records set in 1940 and 1976
  • Scientists warn that efforts to halt a rise in temperatures are falling short of averting the most catastrophic effects of global warming

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Women sunbathe in St James’ Park, London during a record-breaking heatwave in June. Photo: EPA-EFE

Last month was the hottest June on record in Britain, the country’s national weather service said on Monday, warning that human-induced climate change was making such temperature records increasingly likely.

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Record heatwaves have become a worldwide pattern, as scientists warn that efforts to halt a rise in temperatures are falling short of what is needed to avert the most catastrophic effects of global warming.

A woman sunbathes at Canary Wharf’s Middle Dock swimming area during a heatwave in London. Photo: EPA-EFE
A woman sunbathes at Canary Wharf’s Middle Dock swimming area during a heatwave in London. Photo: EPA-EFE

Britain’s Met Office said the average mean temperature of 15.8°C in June was the highest in a series going back almost 140 years, beating a previous record of 14.9°C set in 1940 and 1976.

Last year, Britain recorded its hottest ever day when temperatures surged past the 40C (104F) mark for the first time, causing disruption to infrastructure like airports and railways, and sparking wildfires.

Describing the latest record as bearing a “fingerprint of climate change” the Met Office said a study by its scientists had found the chance of June being hotter than 14.9C had at least doubled since around 1940.

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