July 2026 has etched itself into the annals of British weather history, marking the driest month ever recorded across England and Wales. An extraordinary combination of scorching temperatures and minimal rainfall has resulted in alarming drought conditions, prompting concerns over food security and water supply.
Record-Breaking Dryness and Sunshine
According to the Met Office, Southern England experienced a staggering 1.9mm of rainfall last month, narrowly surpassing the previous record low of 2.0mm set in February 1891. This milestone signifies not only the driest July in history but also the lowest rainfall recorded in any month since the beginning of detailed records in 1836. For England as a whole, the month yielded just 6.5mm of rain, representing a mere 10% of the long-term average for July—less than half of the previous record of 13.4mm set in 1911. A total of 19 counties recorded rainfall levels below or equal to 1mm throughout the month.
Wales fared only slightly better, with 9.3mm of rainfall—9% of the historical average and well below the prior record of 22.6mm from 1911. In contrast, Northern Ireland experienced its eighth driest July, receiving 26.9mm of rain, while Scotland managed to avoid the record-breaking lows, achieving 69% of its average rainfall.
Unrelenting Heatwaves and Their Consequences
The summer of 2026 has been characterised by a series of extreme heatwaves, with July alone witnessing two additional waves of scorching temperatures. This relentless heat has resulted in over 2,800 excess deaths attributed to rising temperatures. The National Drought Group, which includes representatives from governmental bodies and agricultural sectors, has voiced concerns over the severe consequences of these conditions, which threaten both the environment and agricultural production.
Farmers are already experiencing the impacts, with cereals drying out and some livestock being fed winter rations prematurely. Harsh conditions have necessitated early harvesting, and the risk of combine harvesters catching fire due to the extreme heat has escalated significantly.
The Sunshine Records
In addition to the drought, July was also noted for its exceptional sunshine. England recorded a total of 305.6 hours of sunshine, eclipsing the previous record of 294.8 hours set in 1911. Wales surpassed its earlier record with 308 hours of sun, matching its highest mean temperature for the month at 17.8°C, a figure previously reached in 2006. England’s mean temperature reached 19.2°C, just shy of the record high of 19.3°C also set in 2006.
Ongoing Weather Forecasts and Public Health Alerts
The first week of August began with another rise in temperatures, peaking at 33°C in the South East. The UK Health Security Agency has issued multiple amber and yellow heat health alerts due to the rising temperatures, stressing that vulnerable populations may require increased medical attention. While the forecast predicts a slight cooling trend in the latter half of the week, with showers and thunderstorms forecasted for some regions, the South East is expected to continue lacking the vital rainfall needed to alleviate drought conditions.
Met Office chief forecaster Chris Bulmer has indicated that while a shift in weather patterns may bring some precipitation, it is unclear how much relief will be experienced, especially in the southern regions. Dr Amy Doherty from the Met Office characterised July as a “truly remarkable month” in the climate record, attributing the extreme weather to ongoing climate change trends.
Why it Matters
The unprecedented conditions of July 2026 serve as a stark reminder of the increasingly volatile nature of the UK’s climate. With record-breaking drought and heat waves becoming more commonplace, the implications for agriculture, public health, and water resources are profound. As climate change continues to reshape weather patterns, the need for effective adaptation strategies becomes ever more critical. The summer of 2026 not only highlights the immediate challenges posed by extreme weather but also underscores the urgency of addressing the broader implications of climate change on our environment and society.
