UK heatwave nears two-week mark amid record-breaking temperatures

The United Kingdom is currently grappling with its third heatwave of 2026, a year already marked by extraordinary weather records. This ongoing period of high temperatures follows record-breaking monthly averages in both May and June, each surpassed by more than two degrees Celsius. July has already seen 12 days with temperatures above 30C and 13 days meeting heatwave criteria across parts of England and Wales.

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This year is already shaping up to be an extraordinary one for weather records in the UK, having broken those for monthly temperature in both May and June by more than two degrees.

While heatwave conditions have also affected Scotland and Northern Ireland, the intensity and duration have been less pronounced compared to southern regions. This year's heatwaves are notable not only for their frequency but also for their intensity. The UK has recorded more days, six, exceeding 35C, and for the first time, 35C has been registered across three consecutive months: May, June, and July.

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So far this July we have now reached 12 days above 30C and 13 days in heatwave criteria across parts of England and Wales.

Comparisons are inevitably drawn to the historic summer of 1976, which holds the record for the longest heatwave. Although 1976's heatwave was longer, the current conditions in 2026 have seen higher extreme temperatures and more "very hot days." A significant aspect of the current weather pattern is the accompanying dryness. Some areas in southern England, like Wisley in Surrey, have not recorded rainfall in 30 days. Most of Wales and Northern Ireland are also experiencing rainfall deficits, though parts of western Scotland have been wetter than average. Crucially, unlike the widespread drought in 1976, the UK is not currently facing such conditions.

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Comparisons are being made with the historic hot summer of 1976. Whilst that year still holds the record for the longest heatwave, this year has seen higher extreme temperatures, and more "very hot days".

The combination of sustained high temperatures and lack of rainfall presents a notable challenge. While the intensity and frequency of heatwaves are unprecedented in recent records, the absence of a widespread drought distinguishes it from historical extreme weather events like that of 1976. The situation underscores a trend of increasingly extreme weather patterns affecting the UK.

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Some places in southern England such as Wisley in Surrey have seen no rainfall in 30 days.