UK Heatwave July 2025 – Record Temperature , Map & Health Impact

The UK heatwave in July 2025 marked the third heatwave of a summer that would go on to become the warmest on record. Temperatures climbed into the mid-30s °C across parts of England, while Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland also experienced notably warm conditions. The heatwave lasted roughly from 9 to 15 July, with public health alerts issued and significant impacts reported.

By the end of the summer, the Met Office confirmed that 2025 had set a new record for mean temperatures, surpassing all previous years in the UK’s climate record. July played a central role in that outcome, contributing two back-to-back heatwaves that pushed the seasonal average well above normal.

The combination of high-pressure systems and long-term warming trends made this July a landmark event. Researchers at Imperial College London later estimated that the June–July heatwave period in London alone led to around 260 excess heat-related deaths, with a large share attributable to climate change.

What are the UK heatwave predictions for July 2025?

Leading into summer 2025, the Met Office indicated that climate change was increasing the likelihood of intense heatwaves. By mid‑July, forecasters noted that the season was already tracking unusually warm, and they pointed to a study suggesting a 50‑50 chance of 40 °C occurring again in the UK within the next 12 years. No specific predictions for July were released as a standalone forecast, but the broader outlook warned of more frequent and severe hot spells.

• July 2025 saw two consecutive heatwaves (27 June–2 July and 9‑15 July), contributing to the record summer.
• The Met Office confirmed summer 2025 as the hottest on record, with four heatwaves total.
• Climate change attribution links increased heatwave frequency and intensity to global warming.
• Health impacts: ~260 excess deaths estimated in London alone for the June‑July period.
• Marine heatwave conditions were also observed southwest of the UK during July.

For summer 2026 and September 2025, official predictions are not available in the provided sources. Climate models exist but carry inherent uncertainty. The Met Office has emphasised that the trend toward hotter summers is consistent with a warming climate.

What was the highest temperature during the UK heatwave in July 2025?

The highest UK temperature recorded during the summer of 2025 – and likely the July period – was 35.8 °C at Faversham, Kent, on 1 July, as reported by the Met Office blog. That reading came during the second heatwave, which straddled late June and early July.

During the third heatwave (9‑15 July), several other notable highs were recorded. On 11 July, temperatures reached 34.7 °C in Astwood Bank and 32.7 °C in Usk, Wales. Northern Ireland and Scotland saw values around 27–29 °C. Two days later, on 13 July, Scotland reached 31.2 °C in Achnagart, with 31.1 °C in Ross‑on‑Wye, 30.2 °C in Gogerddan, and 27.1 °C in Castlederg also logged, according to Wikipedia’s account of the 2025 European heatwaves.

The Met Office noted that by 15 July, the UK had already recorded 11 days with temperatures at or above 30 °C – a count that at that point in the year had only been surpassed in 1976 and 2018.

Where can I find a UK heatwave map for July 2025?

Interactive temperature maps for the July 2025 heatwave were published by the Met Office and by the BBC. The BBC Weather article confirmed summer 2025 as the hottest on record and included visualisations of temperature anomalies. The Met Office’s blog post from 16 July also contained charts showing the marine heatwave and land‑temperature patterns.

Wikipedia’s entry on the 2025 European heatwaves provides static maps that illustrate the affected regions across the UK. For a detailed, day‑by‑day view, the Met Office’s own weather archive remains the most authoritative source.

What about regional temperature variations?

Temperatures varied significantly across the four nations. England saw the highest peaks, but Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland all recorded values well above their seasonal averages. The marine heatwave off the southwest coast added a further dimension to the warm conditions.

What were the effects of the UK heatwave in July 2025?

The heatwave had tangible public‑health consequences. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued yellow heat‑health alerts across several English regions during the mid‑July spell, later upgrading some areas to amber alerts while others remained at yellow. Such alerts trigger increased monitoring and readiness in health services.

According to the Grantham Institute at Imperial College London, the combined June–July heatwave period in London is estimated to have caused around 260 excess heat‑related deaths. Of those, approximately 170 were attributable to climate change – effectively tripling the death toll that would have occurred without human‑induced warming.

There were also reports of water‑related deaths in Scotland and a missing person incident in the River Thames during the hot spell, as documented by Wikipedia. The combination of high temperatures and increased outdoor activity contributed to these tragedies.

When exactly did the July 2025 UK heatwave occur?

The July 2025 heatwave did not have a single continuous block. Instead, two distinct events straddled the month. The second heatwave of the summer ran from 27 June to 2 July, spilling into early July. The third heatwave – the one most commonly referred to as the “July heatwave” – lasted from 9 to 15 July. A fourth event followed in August.

1. 27 June – 2 July 2025: Second UK heatwave, spanning into early July.
2. 9 – 15 July 2025: Third UK heatwave, occurring entirely within July.
3. 16 July 2025: Met Office blog notes easing of marine heatwave and strengthening westerlies.
4. 26 August 2025: BBC reports summer 2025 confirmed as hottest on record.
5. 1 September 2025: Met Office confirms summer 2025 as warmest on record, cites four heatwaves.

The Met Office later described the season as having “four heatwaves, each relatively short‑lived and interspersed with near‑average conditions.”

What is certain and uncertain about the July 2025 heatwave?

Some aspects are well established, while others remain subject to further analysis or ongoing monitoring.

What is the broader context of the UK heatwave in July 2025?

The July 2025 heatwave occurred within a record‑breaking summer across the UK and Europe. Climate change is a key driver, as emphasised by the Grantham Institute at Imperial College. The heatwave was part of a series of four events, each relatively short‑lived. The health and economic impacts are significant, with hundreds of excess deaths estimated. The Met Office and BBC provided official confirmation and widespread media coverage.

Meteorologists also noted that the summer featured a marine heatwave around the UK, with sea temperatures elevated alongside the land heat. This dual warming added to the intensity of the overall season. The Met Office blog documented both the land and sea temperature anomalies in its mid‑season update.

Looking ahead, the Met Office has said climate change is making UK heatwaves more frequent and more intense. It highlighted a study suggesting a 50‑50 chance of 40 °C again in the UK within the next 12 years. Public health agencies may issue updated heatwave preparedness guidelines for 2026, and further climate research on extreme event attribution for 2025 heatwaves is expected in late 2025.

For those planning outdoor activities in warm weather, the Peak District National Park – Complete Guide to Walks and Weather offers practical advice on staying safe under hot conditions.

What do official sources say about the July 2025 heatwave?

Three key official sources provide the most authoritative information on the July 2025 heatwave.

“Summer 2025 has seen four heatwaves, each relatively short‑lived and interspersed with near‑average conditions.”

Met Office (1 September 2025)

“Summer 2025 confirmed as UK’s hottest on record; it is in line with evidence that summers are getting hotter and drier because of climate change.”

BBC Weather (26 August 2025)

“It is estimated that the June‑July 2025 heatwave in London will have resulted in around 260 heat‑related deaths.”

Grantham Institute, Imperial College London (2 July 2025)

The Met Office news release and the BBC article remain primary references. The Wikipedia entry aggregates data from multiple official sources.

What are the key takeaways from the UK heatwave in July 2025?

The July 2025 heatwave was a defining event in the UK’s warmest summer on record. Two heatwaves in the month pushed temperatures into the mid‑30s across England, with all four nations affected. Public health alerts were activated, and an estimated 260 excess heat‑related deaths occurred in London, many attributable to climate change. The marine heatwave and long‑term warming trends underscore that such extremes are becoming more common. For those considering travel or outdoor recreation, the Sand Le Mere Holiday Park: Reviews, Location & Things to Do (2026) provides a practical resource for planning ahead in a warming climate.

Frequently asked questions about the UK heatwave in July 2025