July 2026 sets UK records for dryness and sunshine

Provisional Met Office figures show that July 2026 set records for rainfall, temperature and sunshine across parts of the UK.

England and Wales have provisionally recorded their driest July on record. Southern England also experienced its driest calendar month since records began in 1836.

Wales recorded its joint-warmest July on record for mean temperature, while the UK and England recorded their second-warmest July. Southern England had its warmest July on record.

The month was also exceptionally sunny. The UK, England and Wales all recorded their sunniest July on record, while England and Wales each experienced their sunniest calendar month ever observed.

The conditions follow a summer that has already produced several heat records. The prolonged lack of rain and high temperatures have contributed to drought conditions across Wales and in more than half of England.

Met Office Science Manager Dr Amy Doherty said:

“July 2026 has been a truly remarkable month in the UK's climate record. Both England and Wales have provisionally recorded their driest July on record – Wales also its joint warmest. Southern England has seen its driest month ever recorded, and England and Wales have each experienced their sunniest month ever observed.

“The combination of record-breaking dryness, exceptional warmth and unprecedented sunshine has delivered one of the most notable summer months in our historical records.”

The figures are provisional and may be revised as further observations are checked.