The UK’s top weather is the new norm – the Met Office

“We’re seeing a new warm climate in the southeast of England,” Kendon explained.

Similarly, areas including the Vale of York and Lancashire experienced similar temperatures to those seen in Greater London in 1961-1990.

“Imagine this heat going north and up,” said Kendon, explaining that the UK is losing the coldest habitats from the top of the mountains.

The effects of extreme heat have been felt this winter as people in many parts of the UK have experienced above-average temperatures and high humidity.

Above 2,700 people may have died from heat-related causes. Experts from Imperial College London, the Met Office and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine said that during the exceptionally hot weather in May and June in England and Wales.

The scientists assessed water availability and frequency of droughts in spring and summer.

By spring 2025, most of England and Wales will have received less than half the 1991-2020 average rainfall. England had a very dry spring for over 100 years.

Between March and August 2025, the total amount of water moving through rivers in England was the second lowest since 1961.

Climate change is expected to bring more severe winter rainfall and flooding in the UK, but hotter and drier summers are predicted to lead to more severe droughts in the future.

Lack of rain also affects soil and food production.

By the end of June this year, soils were drier than average for the year across central and southern England.

Plant growth can be stunted in dry soils, affecting the animals or birds that rely on them for food or the success of food crops.

Dry landscapes increase the risk of wildfires, and dry soil heats up quickly and increases heat waves.