The Met Office has warned that summer 2026 is on course to become the UK's hottest on record, with temperatures of up to 38C possible this week as drought grips most of England.
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Key facts
- The Met Office says summer 2026 is on course to be the UK's hottest on record.
- Temperatures of 38C are possible this week amid warnings of 'extreme heat'.
- Drought has been declared across most of England.
- An amber health alert is in place, according to the Guardian's coverage.
- A professor of hydrology says rain is the only solution to the drought.
Summer 2026 is on course to be the UK’s hottest on record, according to the Met Office, whose prediction comes amid warnings of ‘extreme heat’ this week with temperatures of up to 38C possible, the Guardian reported.
The forecast arrives as drought has now been declared across most of England, adding pressure to public services already struggling in the extreme weather. The Guardian’s environment editor, Fiona Harvey, has published an explainer on those strained services.
Hannah Cloke, professor of hydrology at the University of Reading, said there is ‘only one solution in the end’ to the drought now declared across most of England, and that is rain.
Cloke warned of an important consequence of drought: very dry soils can become less able to absorb rainfall when it does arrive. This can increase surface runoff and even contribute to localised flash flooding, particularly if rain falls intensely over a short period.
According to Cloke, the current situation highlights the need to improve long-term resilience to both drought and flood risk as climate variability increases, and shows one more damaging impact of the burning of fossil fuels.
The Guardian’s coverage of the extreme weather has been running with amber health alerts in place as temperatures climb across the UK and parts of Europe, including France.
Why it matters
Record-breaking heat and widespread drought place real strain on public services, water supplies and public health. Experts warn that increasing climate variability makes both drought and flooding more likely, underlining the need for better long-term resilience.
Frequently asked questions
How hot could it get in the UK this week?
According to the Guardian's reporting, the Met Office has warned of 'extreme heat' this week with temperatures of up to 38C possible.
Where has drought been declared?
Drought has been declared across most of England, according to the sources.
Can drought lead to flooding?
Yes. Professor Hannah Cloke says very dry soils can become less able to absorb rainfall, which can increase surface runoff and contribute to localised flash flooding, especially if rain falls intensely over a short period.
Timeline
- Summer 2026 on course to be UK’s hottest on record, says Met Office – as it happened
The Guardian World: Prediction comes amid warning of ‘extreme heat’ this week with temperatures of 38C possible The Guardian’s environment editor, Fiona Harvey , has written a useful explainer about the UK public services that are struggling in the extreme weather. You can read it in full here: Ther
- Summer 2026 on course to be UK’s hottest on record, says Met Office – latest news
The Guardian World: Prediction comes amid warning of ‘extreme heat’ this week with temperatures of 38C possible The Guardian’s environment editor, Fiona Harvey , has written a useful explainer about the UK public services that are struggling in the extreme weather. You can read it in full here: Ther