The United Kingdom is enduring a heatwave that is approaching the two-week mark, marking an extraordinary year for weather records. This is the third heatwave of 2026, with southern England experiencing 13 consecutive days of heatwave conditions and 12 days exceeding 30 degrees Celsius. These figures surpass the conditions seen at the same point in the previous year.
While other UK nations have also experienced heatwave conditions, the intensity and duration have been less pronounced than in southern England. This spell of hot weather has seen 35 degrees Celsius recorded on six separate days, a new record, with temperatures surpassing this mark in May, June, and July for the first time. These extreme temperatures have led to comparisons with the notable heatwave of 1976, although the current year has seen higher extreme temperatures and more "very hot days."
The prolonged heat has been accompanied by a significant lack of rainfall. Some areas in southern England, such as Wisley in Surrey, have not recorded any precipitation in 30 days. Rainfall deficits have also been observed across most of Wales and Northern Ireland. However, unlike the widespread drought conditions of 1976, no part of the UK is currently in drought. Conversely, parts of western Scotland have experienced wetter-than-average conditions.
The year 2026 has already broken monthly temperature records for both May and June, each by more than two degrees Celsius. The sustained high temperatures and dryness are notable features of the current weather patterns.
