Summer 2026 Provisionally UK’s Hottest On Record, Met Office Says

Summer 2026 Provisionally UK’s Hottest on Record, Met Office Says

Summer 2026 was provisionally the hottest summer on record in the United Kingdom, according to the Met Office. The record-breaking temperatures highlight the growing impact of climate change, with the UK experiencing increasingly frequent periods of extreme heat. The Met Office said the provisional figures place summer 2026 ahead of previous records, although the final assessment will be confirmed after all the data has been analysed. The summer months brought prolonged periods of hot weather across parts of the country, putting pressure on households, businesses, health services and infrastructure. Extreme heat can pose particular risks to older people, young children and those with underlying health conditions, while prolonged high temperatures can also affect agriculture, water supplies and wildlife. The latest record comes amid wider evidence of rising global temperatures. Scientists have repeatedly warned that human-driven climate change is increasing the likelihood and intensity of extreme heat events. The Met Office is expected to publish its final figures after completing its review of the summer weather data. The provisional record adds to growing concerns about the UK’s changing climate and the need for stronger measures to prepare communities for increasingly frequent periods of extreme heat.