The UK has experienced a notable shift in its climate over recent decades, with extreme heat events becoming increasingly common.
In this blog, we explore the top ten hottest days recorded in the UK during July, and examine the climatic changes that have made such extremes more frequent.
The top ten hottest July days on record
- Coningsby, Lincolnshire recorded 40.3°C on July 19, 2022
- Cambridge Botanical Garden, Cambridge recorded 38.7°C on July 25, 2019
- Pitsford, Northamptonshire recorded 38.2°C on July 18, 2022
- Heathrow, London recorded 37.8°C on July 31, 2020
- Heathrow, London recorded 36.7°C on July 01, 2015.
- Wisley, Surrey recorded 36.5°C on July 19, 2006
- Cheltenham, Gloucestershire recorded 35.9°C on July 03, 1976
- Faversham, Kent recorded 35.8°C on July 01, 2025
- Felsham, Suffolk recorded 35.6°C on July 27, 2018
- Camden Square, London recorded 35.6°C on July 13, 1923 and Felsham, Suffolk recorded 35.6°C on July 27, 2018
Why are high temperatures becoming more common?
The UK’s climate has warmed significantly since the 1980s. According to Met Office records, the most recent decade (2015–2024) was 1.24°C warmer than the 1961-1990 average. This warming is not uniform, extreme heat days have increased at a faster rate than average temperatures.
READ MORE: Why has it been so warm and humid recently?
In the 1960s and 70s, temperatures above 30°C were rare and short-lived. For instance, in 1961 and 1968, only a single day in June reached that threshold. However, the summer of 1976 marked a turning point, with nine consecutive days above 30°C. Since then, the frequency and intensity of such events have grown. By June 2005, over 80 stations recorded 30°C+ temperatures in a single day.
Even in cooler years, short-lived but intense heat spikes are becoming more common. June 2024, for example, was relatively mild overall but still saw a brief hot spell with temperatures exceeding 30°C in southeast England.
The science behind the heat
This rise in extreme temperatures is consistent with global climate change. As greenhouse gas concentrations increase, the Earth’s atmosphere retains more heat. In the UK, this has led to a doubling of days with temperatures 5°C above the 1961–1990 average, and a quadrupling of days 10°C above that baseline.
READ MORE: From heatwaves to downpours: July’s historical weather records
The implications of rising temperatures are far-reaching. Public health, infrastructure, agriculture, and water resources are all affected by extreme heat. The Met Office’s latest climate assessments show that what were once rare events are now becoming the norm.
Understanding these trends is essential for building resilience. As the UK continues to warm, accurate forecasting, early warning systems, and long-term adaptation strategies will be key to managing the impacts of extreme weather.
Keep up to date with weather warnings, and you can find the latest forecast on our website, on YouTube, by following us on X and Facebook, as well as on our mobile app which is available for iPhone from the App store and for Android from the Google Play store.
