England and Wales register driest July on record, according to provisional figures released by the UK Met Office, marking one of the most extraordinary months in the country’s climate history. England received just 6.5mm of rainfall during July, only 10% of its long-term monthly average and less than half of the previous record low of 13.4mm, set in 1911. Wales also experienced exceptionally dry conditions, recording only 9.3mm of rainfall, around 9% of its normal July average and well below the previous record of 22.6mm, also established in 1911.

Alongside record-low rainfall, the month brought exceptional warmth and unusual sunshine, highlighting the growing impact of extreme weather across the United Kingdom and Europe.

Met Office Confirms Historic Dry Conditions

The Met Office described July as an “exceptional month” for the UK’s weather records, with multiple climate indicators either matching or surpassing previous extremes.

• Southern England experienced its driest month ever recorded, with rainfall records for the region dating back to 1836.
• The combination of extremely low rainfall, prolonged sunshine and above-average temperatures made July one of the most remarkable summer months in the country’s recorded climate history.

Dr. Amy Doherty, Science Manager at the Met Office, said the unusual mix of record-breaking dryness, exceptional warmth and abundant sunshine has delivered one of the most notable months ever observed in the UK’s climate record.

Key Weather Statistics for July 2026

The figures remain provisional but clearly demonstrate the exceptional nature of this year’s summer weather.

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Extreme Weather Across Europe

The England and Wales register driest July on record announcement arrives as much of Europe continues to experience severe climate extremes.

Repeated heatwaves have affected large parts of the continent, causing devastating wildfires, prolonged droughts and growing pressure on health care systems. Emergency services across several countries have reported increased demand during periods of extreme heat, while authorities continue monitoring elevated risks of heat-related illnesses.

In England, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) recently estimated around 2,877 heat-associated deaths during two major hot spells in May and June, highlighting the growing public health impact of increasingly frequent heatwaves.

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Low River Levels Raise Energy Concerns

The prolonged hot and dry conditions are also affecting critical infrastructure across Europe.

• One of the clearest examples is the Danube River, where water levels have fallen to record lows, disrupting transport and raising concerns about energy security in Central Europe.
• In Hungary, a fresh heatwave nearly forced the temporary shutdown of the country’s only nuclear power plant due to operational challenges linked to extreme temperatures.
• Although the facility continues operating, the situation has highlighted how climate-related weather events are placing additional strain on energy systems.

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Climate Extremes Becoming More Frequent

The Met Office’s latest figures reinforce the growing trend of more frequent and intense weather extremes across the UK. While individual weather events cannot be attributed to climate change alone, scientists have consistently warned that rising global temperatures are increasing the likelihood of prolonged heatwaves, droughts and record-breaking weather.

With July now entering the record books as the driest on record for both England and Wales, experts say improving climate resilience, water management and heat preparedness will become increasingly important as extreme summer conditions become more common in the years ahead.

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