United Kingdom faces record heat and wildfires in summer 2026

The United Kingdom experienced a record-breaking summer in 2026, characterized by extreme heat and a significant increase in wildfires. Provisional data from the Met Office indicates that the summer was the hottest on record, with 40 days of temperatures exceeding 30°C.

July 2026 was identified as the worst month on record for wildfires in England, accounting for 624 of the 1,354 wildfires recorded so far this year. Notable incidents included a fire near the Sizewell B nuclear power station in Suffolk and a wildfire in Gloucestershire that resulted in the first recorded death due to a wildfire in the current data series.

Public sentiment in the UK has shifted significantly due to these weather extremes. Polling shows that 74% of people report having directly experienced extreme heat, up from 46% previously. Additionally, 62% of the public now identifies extreme heat as the most pressing climate impact, and 47% expressed concern regarding wildfires. Approximately 51% of respondents believe the recent heatwaves demonstrate a greater need for the government and businesses to address climate change.