London: Preliminary data published by the UK Met Office on Monday showed that last July was the driest July on record in England and Wales since 1836.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the Met Office stated that the combination of record drought, exceptional warmth, and unprecedented sunshine resulted in one of the hottest Julys in recorded history since records began in 1836. It explained that total rainfall in England reached 6.5 millimeters in July, equivalent to only 10% of the seasonal average, while in Wales it reached 9.3 millimeters, or 9% of the average.

The Met Office's statement also noted that in southern England, July 2026 was the driest on record since 1836, with rainfall not exceeding 1.9 millimeters, or about 3% of the average. Across the UK as a whole, including Scotland and Northern Ireland, the Met Office indicated that July 2026 was the second hottest on record.

The UK Health Security Agency had previously issued a statement yesterday, announcing an orange heatwave warning for parts of England, including London and the southeast, which will remain in effect until next Wednesday. The orange warning is the second highest level of alert after red.