The UK has seen a turbulent start and end to August, with Storm Floris bringing strong winds and heavy rain, and another heatwave bringing this summer's total to four.
But while recent conditions have been unsettled, August has historically delivered some extreme weather of its own, from scorching heat and intense rainfall to powerful gusts and even sub-zero temperatures in the Highlands.
In this blog, ahead of the full month and season statistics release on Monday, 1 September, we’ll be looking at the current weather records for the month of August.
Record-breaking heat: Faversham, Kent, 2003
The highest daily temperature recorded in the UK during August occurred on 10 August 2003, when the mercury reached a sweltering 38.5°C at Faversham in Kent. This record was set during a prolonged heatwave that affected much of Europe, with widespread impacts on health, infrastructure, and agriculture.
READ MORE: Are storms in August unusual and why do we name them?
Lowest temperature: Lagganlia, Invernesshire, 1973
In stark contrast to the summer heat, the lowest temperature recorded in August was -4.5°C at Lagganlia in Invernesshire on 21 August 1973. This unusually cold night occurred in a sheltered Highland location.
Wettest day: East Wretham, Norfolk, 2020
The highest daily rainfall total for August was recorded on 16 August 2020, when East Wretham in Norfolk received 239.9mm of rain. August often sees convective showers and thunderstorms, but extreme heavy rain events such as this are less common and can be particularly impactful when they occur.
Strongest wind gust: Needles, Isle of Wight, 1996
The highest maximum gust recorded in August was 76 knots (approximately 87 mph) at the Needles on the Isle of Wight on 6 August 1996. Gusts of this magnitude are unusual in August, a month typically dominated by more settled conditions. However, when similar weather systems do develop, they can bring disruptive winds, particularly to southern and western coasts.
READ MORE: July 2025 weather stats: A regional breakdown
These records illustrate the wide range of weather that can occur in August. While many associate the month with summer holidays and warm sunshine, the UK’s climate is capable of producing extremes in all directions.
August might conjure up images of summer holidays and long, sunny days, but the reality can be far more varied. The month has a habit of keeping us on our toes, from heatwaves and thunderstorms to cold nights and coastal gales, August remains a dynamic and sometimes unpredictable month.
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