Parts of the UK are experiencing the longest unbroken dry spell this century, with Met Office weather stations in central and south-east England recording zero rainfall for 14 consecutive days. Between Thursday July 2 and Wednesday July 15, no rain fell, and warm, sunny weather is expected to continue following three heatwaves.
Record-Breaking Dry Spell
The recent dry period is the longest unbroken run of days without rain for south-east England since a 15-day spell in April 1997, and for central England since a 14-day run in June 1996. Data for July 16 has yet to be published, but could extend the rain-free spells further.
Scientists warn that human-driven climate change is contributing to increasingly extreme weather, including disrupted global rainfall patterns. Large areas of southern England have implemented hosepipe bans as the baking weather strains water supplies, with officials warning of a growing risk of drought.
Heatwave Conditions Persist
On Thursday, temperatures peaked at 30.6°C at Merryfield in Somerset, marking the 12th consecutive day that 30°C has been exceeded somewhere in the UK. There have now been 27 days in 2026 when temperatures have reached 30°C or higher—seven in May, eight in June, and 12 in July. The record for the number of 30°C-plus days in a calendar year is 34, set in 1995.
David Hayter, the Met Office’s deputy chief meteorologist, said: “Every day for the last 11 days, somewhere in the UK has seen temperatures reach or exceed 30°C. The high pressure, which has brought this prolonged fine spell, will continue for the next week or so at least, but will shift enough to enable a more northerly flow that will introduce a cooler feel that will end the run of 30°C days.”
Comparison to 1976 Drought
The current dry spell evokes memories of the 1976 drought, which saw 18 consecutive days of 30°C-plus temperatures, damaging crops and leading to standpipes in the streets. While the current spell has not yet reached that duration, the Met Office warns that heatwave conditions may persist beyond the next 10 days, potentially extending into late July.
Brits have endured above-average temperatures and particularly hot nights over recent weeks, with the hot summer following a record warm spring for England and Wales. The Met Office continues to monitor the situation as drought risks increase across parts of the UK.
