Overview

• The Met Office recorded a provisional mean temperature of 16.8°C in July, making it the fifth warmest July on record.
• July was the sixth consecutive month of mean temperatures above the long-term average, underscoring a sustained heat pattern.
• Two distinct heatwaves swept the country, peaking at 35.8°C in Faversham, Kent on July 1.
• Official drought status has been declared in the East Midlands, north-west England, the West Midlands and Yorkshire.
• South East Water, Southern Water, Thames Water and Yorkshire Water have imposed hosepipe bans to protect strained supplies.