UK records hottest summer since 1884 with average 16.5C

September 2, 2026 at 04:05 AM2 min

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The UK recorded its hottest summer since 1884, with an average temperature of 16.5C, the Met Office said on September 2, 2026. The previous record of 16.1C was set just one year earlier. The heat brought drought, wildfires, and an estimated 2,700 excess deaths in England and Wales.

Key Facts

The UK's summer 2026 average temperature of 16.5C surpassed the previous record of 16.1C set in 2025.
The UK recorded 40 days with temperatures at or above 30C, breaking the previous record of 34 days set in 1995.
Lingwood in Norfolk reached 38C in June, a new June record exceeding the 35.6C set in 1976.
Researchers estimate the May and June heat caused over 2,700 deaths in England and Wales.
Met Office climate scientist Mark McCarthy said such a summer would occur less than once every 1,000 years without human influence on the climate.

Record-Breaking Temperatures

The Met Office reported that the average temperature for June, July, and August 2026 was 16.5C, the highest since records began in 1884. The previous record of 16.1C was set in 2025, and cooler weather at the end of August did not prevent the new record. Sky News reported 40 days with temperatures at or above 30C, surpassing the 34 days recorded in 1995. In June, Lingwood in Norfolk reached 38C, a new June record exceeding the 35.6C set in 1976. Across the summer, 54 weather stations recorded their highest temperatures since they began operating.

Heat Impacts and Drought

The summer heat led to wildfires and drought, with drought covering two-thirds of England and all of Wales. Grain yields fell to one of the lowest levels on record, according to the Met Office. Researchers estimate that the May and June heat caused over 2,700 deaths in England and Wales. The heat was particularly severe in June due to high humidity and hot nights.

Climate Change Link

Forecasters linked the prolonged heat to low rainfall, persistent anticyclones, and climate change. Met Office climate scientist Mark McCarthy said that without human influence on the climate, such a summer would occur less than once every 1,000 years. Under current climate conditions, such heat can be expected on average every nine years, McCarthy added. UK Climate Minister Katie White said the record summer shows how clearly the effects of climate change are already being felt. White confirmed the government will continue its clean energy development plan.