- The UK is on course for its hottest summer on record, with only average conditions needed for the rest of August to beat the record set just last year, the Met Office said.
- To equal the 16.12C in 2025, the UK’s warmest summer on record, the rest of August would only need to be 0.21C below the long-term average, and any warmer than this would establish a new record for the country, the Met Office said.
- For England and Wales, which have seen temperatures more than 2C above average so far this summer, it is even more likely that June to August 2026 will be record-breaking.
- Met Office chief forecaster Chris Bulmer said: While the peak heat will be more short-lived than recent heatwaves, temperatures widely into the mid-30s Celsius on Thursday brings the potential for impacts for some, which is why a Met Office warning has been issued.
- Bulmer added: High pressure is now becoming dominant and temperatures will build day by day. Southerly and south-easterly winds will also tap into the hot conditions over Europe which helps develop this further notable heat in what has been a hot and dry summer so far for many in the south of the UK.
The UK is poised to experience its hottest summer on record, with provisional statistics from the Met Office indicating a mean temperature of 16.48C since June 1, which is 1.88C above the 1991 to 2020 average.1
To surpass the previous record of 16.12C set in 2025, the remainder of August would only need to be 0.21C below the long-term average. Any increase beyond this threshold would establish a new record.2
England and Wales have experienced temperatures more than 2C above average this summer, making it likely that the period from June to August 2026 will also break records.
Met Office chief forecaster Chris Bulmer stated, “High pressure is now becoming dominant and temperatures will build day by day.” He noted that southerly winds will contribute to the heat, which has already characterized a hot and dry summer for many in southern UK regions.
The Met Office has issued warnings due to the potential impacts of the expected peak heat, which is anticipated to reach the mid-30s Celsius on Thursday, although Bulmer cautioned that this heat may be more short-lived than previous heatwaves.4
“To equal the 2025 record of 16.12C, the rest of August would only need to be 0.21C below the long-term average, and any warmer would set a new record. England and Wales have already seen temperatures more than 2C above average, making a record-breaking June to August 2026 even more likely.”
The Independent
