England and Wales record driest July since 1836, Met Office confirms
Provisional data shows 19 English counties received 1mm or less rainfall, with southern England hitting record temperatures
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England and Wales have recorded their driest July since records began in 1836, according to provisional Met Office statistics. The data, released on 1 August 2026, shows that 19 counties across England received 1mm or less rainfall throughout the month.
Southern England experienced its hottest July on record, while the UK and England as a whole had their second hottest July. Wales matched its previous record for the hottest July, the Met Office said, as reported by *The Standard*.
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Sunshine records broken
The UK, England, and Wales also recorded their sunniest Julys on record in 2026. For England and Wales, it was the sunniest calendar month ever observed, the Met Office confirmed. The figures are provisional but reflect a pattern of extreme weather across the region.
The Met Office said the data underlines the impact of prolonged heatwaves and drought conditions. Half of England and all of Wales were officially in drought by the end of July, as reported by *The Standard*.
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What happens next
The Met Office will finalise the July 2026 statistics in the coming weeks. The provisional figures are based on data from weather stations across the UK, with records dating back nearly 200 years. No further public response or consultation is expected on the data itself.
Questions this report answers
+How dry was July 2026 in England and Wales?
England and Wales recorded their driest July since 1836, with 19 English counties receiving 1mm or less rainfall. The Met Office confirmed the provisional data, which reflects extreme drought conditions across the region.
+Which areas had the hottest July on record?
Southern England had its hottest July on record in 2026, while the UK and England as a whole had their second hottest. Wales matched its previous record for the hottest July, according to the Met Office.
+Was July 2026 the sunniest on record?
Yes, the UK, England, and Wales all recorded their sunniest Julys on record in 2026. For England and Wales, it was the sunniest calendar month ever observed, the Met Office said.
+What happens after the provisional data is released?
The Met Office will finalise the July 2026 statistics in the coming weeks. The provisional figures are based on historical records but will be confirmed once all data is processed.
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