Met Office Confirms Joint Hottest Summer On Record For England

Friday, 2 September 2022 06:00

By Dominic Kureen @WriteOnDom

The summer of 2022 will be remembered as a dry and sunny three months, and for England, the joint warmest summer on record according to mean temperature.

This means that four of the five warmest summers on record for England have occurred since 2003, as the effects of human-induced climate change are felt on England’s summer temperatures.

High pressure has dominated the UK weather this summer bringing long spells of dry and warm weather to many areas allowing heatwaves to develop each month, but most notably in July.

Overall, the UK has seen 62% of its summer rainfall and mean temperatures were 1.1°C above the average of 14.6°C.

In England the warm and dry conditions have been more notable, with the mean temperature the joint warmest ever recorded (17.1°C) equalling that of summer 2018, and some areas have seen less than 50% of their typical summer rainfall.

The warmest and driest areas relative to average were in the East and for East Anglia and parts of northeast England it was the hottest summer on record.

The hot weather was not confined to England

It was provisionally the fourth warmest summer for the UK overall.

For England, 2022 was the sixth driest summer on record (103mm), and driest since 1995 (66mm), in a series from 1836.

For the UK, overall it was the 10th driest summer (156mm) and driest since 1995 (106mm).

Some of the driest regions relative to average were in East Anglia. Suffolk had its second driest summer behind 1921, and Norfolk its third driest (behind 1921 and 1983).

Dr Mark McCarthy of the National Climate Information Centre said:

“For many this summer’s record-breaking heat in July – where temperatures reached 40.3°C at Coningsby in Lincolnshire - will be the season’s most memorable aspect.

"However, for England to achieve its joint warmest summer takes more than extreme heat over a couple of days.

"We shouldn’t forget that we experienced some persistently warm and hot spells through June and August too.”

More from Lifestyle

Five Most Pet-Friendly Destinations in the UK

For pet lovers, leaving your furry friend behind when planning a trip can feel bittersweet. Fortunately, the UK offers plenty of destinations where your four-legged companion can join in on the adventure. From scenic countryside retreats to dog-friendly beaches and bustling cities with pet-friendly cafes, there’s something for everyone. Here are five of the most pet-friendly destinations in the UK, perfect for a getaway with your best friend:
Five UK Valentine's Destinations Perfect For A Night Away

Whether you’re dreaming of candlelit dinners, cosy countryside retreats, or breath-taking city views, the UK offers a wealth of enchanting destinations to make your Valentine’s night unforgettable. Here are five perfect spots for a night of romance this February 14th:
Five Highly Romantic Meals Perfect for Your Valentine

Valentine’s Day is the perfect occasion to indulge in delicious, romantic meals that set the mood for love and intimacy. Whether you're planning a home-cooked dinner or a special surprise for your significant other, choosing the right dishes can elevate the experience. Here are five highly romantic meals that are perfect for your Valentine:
Five Fantasy Worlds We'd Love to See Become Theme Parks

Theme parks have long been the ultimate escape, transporting visitors to magical realms and immersive adventures. While franchises like Harry Potter and Star Wars have already found their way into our favourite amusement destinations, there are still many beloved fantasy worlds that remain untapped. Here are five incredible fantasy settings that deserve their own fully realized theme parks:
Five Most Romantic Valentine’s Gestures From Europe

Valentine’s Day is celebrated across the globe, but Europe, with its rich history and romantic traditions, offers some of the most heartfelt and unique gestures of love. From poetic gifts to centuries-old customs, these European Valentine’s traditions prove that romance knows no bounds. Here are five of the most enchanting Valentine’s Day gestures from across Europe: