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UK's Driest, Sunniest July Sparks Heat Deaths, Fire

8/3/2026

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Story summary
  • The United Kingdom recorded its driest and sunniest July on record in 2026, with England 6.5 mm and Wales 9.3 mm of rain.
  • July 2026 was the UK's second warmest and Wales' warmest, with England 19.2 °C, Wales 17.8 °C, and sunshine hours breaking records—England 305.6 and Wales 308.0.
  • Heatwaves caused over 2,800 excess deaths and a fire at Dunwich Heath, leading the National Drought Group to warn of water and food impacts.