July 2026 was one of the most extreme months in the UK's climate records, with provisional Met Office data showing record-breaking dryness, sunshine and high temperatures.

Axar.az reports, citing the UK's Met Office, that England and Wales recorded their driest July on record, while Southern England experienced its driest month ever recorded in a series dating back to 1836.

The UK also recorded its sunniest July on record, with England and Wales experiencing their sunniest calendar month ever observed.

The month was marked by exceptional warmth, with Wales recording its joint warmest July on record, while the UK and England saw their second warmest July based on average temperatures.

"July 2026 has been a truly remarkable month in the UK's climate record," Met Office Science Manager Dr Amy Doherty said. "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 Met Office said the combination of record low rainfall, high temperatures and unprecedented sunshine has contributed to drought conditions affecting all of Wales and around half of England.