UK Sizzles in Record-Breaking Summer Heat

As of August 26th, 2025, the UK is set to experience its warmest summer on record, according to the Met Office. The mean temperature for the summer is currently tracking at 16.13°C (61.03°F), which is significantly above the previous record of 15.76°C set in 2018.

The country has already experienced four heatwaves this summer, with temperatures reaching as high as 35.8°C in Faversham, Kent on July 1st. This has relegated the scorching summer of 1976, long remembered as a record-breaking year, out of the top five warmest summers since records began in 1884. In fact, all five of the warmest summers on record have now occurred since the year 2000.

Met Office scientist Emily Carlisle stated that unless temperatures drop around 4 degrees below average for the rest of August, which is highly unlikely, the current record will be exceeded. The Met Office will officially announce whether this has been the warmest summer on record on September 1st, when the meteorological season ends.

This summer's consistent warmth has been driven by dry ground from spring, high-pressure systems, and unusually warm seas around the UK, with minimum temperatures being exceptionally above average. Climate breakdown has also been a contributing factor, with the UK warming at a rate of approximately 0.25°C each decade.