RMF2447 minutes agoEnvironment1 min read

UK: Record heatwave and drought in summer 2026

Quick Look

In the summer of 2026, five heatwaves were recorded in the UK, with temperatures exceeding 30°C for 40 days, and a maximum temperature of 38.1°C was measured at Kew Gardens in London.
The drought affected approximately 45 million people in England, triggering moorland fires.
The Met Office emphasizes that the data is preliminary and may be corrected, and systematic weather measurements have been carried out since 1884.

AI-generated summary

Why It Matters

Systematic weather measurements in Great Britain have been carried out since 1884. In the summer of 2025, the average temperature was 16.1°C.

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According to preliminary data from the Met Office, this year's average temperature was higher than in 2025, when it amounted to 16.1 degrees Celsius. The list includes temperatures recorded both during the day and at night.

The conditions we have seen this summer have once again broken climate records in the UK. These records are now being broken more frequently, reflecting the impact of human-induced climate change, said Dr Amy Doherty from the Met Office.

Five heatwaves and drought

Last summer saw five heatwaves in the UK. For a record 40 days the temperature exceeded 30 degrees Celsius.

The highest temperature - 38.1 degrees Celsius - was recorded on August 13 in the Kew Botanical Gardens in London. The heatwave was accompanied by drought: approximately 45 million people in England lived in drought-affected areas. Moorland fires also broke out in many places.

The Met Office stressed that the data presented is preliminary and subject to correction. Systematic weather measurements in Great Britain have been carried out since 1884.

The beginning of meteorological autumn is expected to bring more rainfall. Flood alerts are in force in five areas of England.

The forecast for northern England and Scotland also calls for strong winds.

What to Watch

AI outlook — possibilities, not facts

The beginning of meteorological autumn will bring more rainfall.
Likely · Within weeks
Flood alerts will be in force in five areas of England.
Very likely · Within days
Strong winds are forecast for northern England and Scotland.
Likely · Within days

Open Questions

Will this year's summer continue the trend of rising temperatures in the coming years?
What specific actions will the authorities take to counteract the effects of drought and heat?
Will flood alerts for five areas of England be increased or reduced in the coming days?