General · 1 September 2026
This summer was officially our hottest ever
Image by sema_srinouljan on Freepik
Temperatures averaged 16.5C across day and night during the season, beating the previous high of 16.1C set last year. Five widespread heatwaves and a severe drought affected two thirds of England and all of Wales, causing destructive wildfires and poor cereal harvests. The Met Office said climate change and a lack of rain drove the extreme weather conditions.
Reported by Sky News · How we write briefs