England and Wales experienced their driest and sunniest July on record, according to provisional data released by the UK Met Office. The month combined unprecedented dryness, high temperatures, and sunshine, marking a notable milestone in the countries’ climate history.
England recorded just 6.5 millimeters (0.25 inches) of rain, representing only 10% of the typical July average, while Wales registered 9.3 millimeters. Southern England saw the most extreme conditions, with the driest July since records began in 1836—receiving a mere 1.9 millimeters of precipitation, or 3% of the average for the region. London and its suburbs were among 19 English areas that received no more than one millimeter of rainfall during the month. The Met Office also noted that below-average rainfall has persisted for the last three months, and forecasts suggest little relief in the coming week.
The Met Office described July 2026 as “a truly remarkable month” marked by record-breaking dryness, exceptional warmth, and unparalleled sunshine. Wales recorded a mean temperature of 17.8 degrees Celsius (64 degrees Fahrenheit), tying its joint hottest July on record, a mark previously reached in 2006 and 1983. Overall, the United Kingdom experienced its second-hottest July historically.
The dry conditions have prompted water companies across England and Wales to impose hosepipe bans to conserve water for household and business needs. Helen Wakeham, chairperson of the National Drought Group, highlighted the ongoing impact on agricultural production, wildlife, and water availability.
The situation has raised concerns among environmental advocates. Ami McCarthy, head of politics at Greenpeace UK, said the consequences for biodiversity—including birds, bees, and butterflies—are “simply unfathomable.” She urged governmental financial support to assist farmers in adopting more sustainable and nature-friendly farming practices. Similarly, Rosie Downes, head of campaign at Friends of the Earth, called for strengthening the National Adaptation Plan to better prepare the UK for the increasingly extreme weather events linked to climate change. Current adaptation strategies include constructing flood defenses, creating additional green spaces, and promoting drought-resistant crops.
The agricultural sector is already feeling the effects of the unusual weather. Tom Bradshaw, president of the National Farmers’ Union, noted that harvest season concluded unusually early, by the start of August—a timeline “unthinkable compared to only a decade ago.” He also stated that yields were approximately one-third lower than normal.
The UK Health Security Agency highlighted the broader health impacts associated with recent heatwaves, estimating 2,877 excess deaths in England linked to record-breaking temperatures in May and June. The agency has issued an amber health warning for four regions, including London, cautioning that individuals over 65 years old or with pre-existing conditions face increased health risks.