London, United Kingdom. England and Wales experienced their driest July on record, according to provisional Met Office data released on Monday. Heatwaves have contributed to drought conditions across Wales and around half of England.
Rainfall and sunshine records
The UK, comprising England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, received 35% of its average July rainfall, making it the driest July nationally since 1868.
Southern England recorded its driest month in a series dating back to 1836. England and Wales also experienced their sunniest July on record.
Heat-related impacts
Temperatures reached new records for May and June in some parts of the country this year. An estimated 2,877 people in Britain have died from heat-related causes so far this year.
“The combination of record-breaking dryness, exceptional warmth and unprecedented sunshine has delivered one of the most notable summer months in our historical records,” Met Office Science Manager Amy Doherty said in a statement.
