London: The United Kingdom has experienced its hottest summer on record, with average temperatures surpassing previous highs, UK Met Office says
The national weather service reported that June, July, and August saw a mean average temperature of 16.1°C (60.9°F), exceeding the 2018 record of 15.8°C (60.4°F).
The summer of 2025 brought four heatwaves across the UK, with the highest temperature—35.8°C (96.4°F)—recorded in Faversham, southeast England. While this did not surpass the all-time high of 40.3°C (104.5°F) set in 2022, experts say the frequency and intensity of heatwaves are clear signs of a warming climate.
Mark McCarthy, head of climate attribution at the Met Office, said the increased likelihood of extreme temperatures is “a direct consequence of greenhouse gas emissions released since the Industrial Revolution.”
“We could plausibly experience much hotter summers in our current and near future,” McCarthy warned. “What would have been seen as extremes in the past are becoming more common in our changing climate.”
The record-breaking announcement came as Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch reiterated her party’s commitment to maximizing fossil fuel extraction from the North Sea if re-elected.
The proposal has drawn sharp criticism from health experts and climate activists, who warn that continued investment in oil and gas undermines efforts to curb global warming.
The developments highlight the growing tension between climate science and energy policy, as the UK faces mounting pressure to accelerate its transition to renewable energy sources.
