How many hours of sunshine has the UK recorded so far in 2025?

The UK has recorded over 1,200 hours of sunshine by July 2025, putting it on track to beat the previous record of 1,587 hours set in 2003.

What is the impact of the heatwaves on the UK?

The prolonged heatwaves have led to 79 days so far this year where temperatures have exceeded 20°C, the most ever recorded for this stage of the year. However, the high temperatures have also resulted in severe drought and water shortages, with several regions under hosepipe bans.

Will the UK break its all-time high temperature record in 2025?

No, the article states that the UK is unlikely to surpass the all-time high temperature of 40.3°C recorded in Lincolnshire last July, despite 2025 being on track to be the consistently hottest year on record for the nation.

Home / Weather / UK on Track for Sunniest Year Ever as Heatwaves Rage On

UK on Track for Sunniest Year Ever as Heatwaves Rage On

15 Aug

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Summary

UK set to break 2003 sunshine record with 1,200 hours by July 2025
250 more sunshine hours than 20-year average, with 79 days over 20°C
Drought and water shortages impact country, with hosepipe bans in place

UK on Track for Sunniest Year Ever as Heatwaves Rage On

As of August 15th, 2025, the United Kingdom is on track to have its sunniest year ever, with data showing the country has already recorded over 1,200 hours of sunshine by July. This puts the UK well on its way to surpassing the previous record of 1,587 hours set in 2003.

The prolonged heatwave has seen temperatures remain consistently high, with 79 days so far this year where the mercury has exceeded 20°C. This is the most ever recorded for this stage of the year, with the last time the UK experienced such a prolonged warm spell being back in 1959.

However, the relentless sunshine and high temperatures have come at a cost, with the country suffering from "nationally significant" water shortages. Five areas of the UK remain in drought, with six others in dry weather status. Hosepipe bans are still in place for customers of several major water companies, including Yorkshire Water, Thames Water, South East Water, and Southern Water.

Despite the records being set, the UK is unlikely to surpass the all-time high temperature of 40.3°C recorded in Lincolnshire last July. Nonetheless, 2025 is shaping up to be the consistently hottest year on record for the nation, with the potential to eclipse the memorable summer of 1959.

Disclaimer: This story has been auto-aggregated and auto-summarised by a computer program. This story has not been edited or created by the Feedzop team.