What's happened
The UK experienced its warmest summer on record, with four heatwaves and a mean temperature of 16.1°C. Recent forecasts predict a shift to unsettled, rainy conditions in September, driven by remnants of Hurricane Erin and Tropical Storm Fernand. Temperatures are expected to stay near or below average, ending the prolonged heatwave.
What's behind the headline?
The UK’s summer of 2025 exemplifies the tangible impacts of climate change, with the record-breaking heatwaves driven by persistent high-pressure systems and warm Atlantic waters. The recent shift to unsettled weather underscores the increasing volatility of UK climate patterns. The forecast of cooler, wetter conditions aligns with climate models predicting more frequent transitions between extreme heat and heavy rainfall. This summer’s record temperatures, now surpassed, highlight how climate change is elevating baseline temperatures, making what was once rare now commonplace. The influence of Atlantic storms like Erin and Fernand demonstrates how global weather systems are interconnected, with tropical disturbances affecting UK weather. The coming weeks will likely see continued variability, with the potential for more heavy rain and gales, emphasizing the need for adaptive infrastructure and climate resilience planning. The story underscores the importance of understanding climate change’s role in shaping weather extremes, which will increasingly impact public health, agriculture, and infrastructure.
What the papers say
The Independent and The Guardian provide detailed analyses of the record summer, emphasizing the role of climate change and recent weather patterns. The Independent highlights the UK’s unprecedented heatwaves and the influence of Atlantic storms, while The Guardian discusses the broader implications of rising baseline temperatures and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events. Both sources agree that climate change is a key driver, with The Guardian noting that all five of the hottest summers since records began have occurred since 2000. The Independent also points out that the recent weather shift signals a move towards more unsettled, rainy conditions, with no immediate signs of another heatwave. The contrasting focus on climate attribution and immediate weather forecasts offers a comprehensive view of the ongoing climate crisis and its tangible effects on UK weather.
How we got here
The UK’s record summer was driven by high-pressure systems, warm seas, and dry soils, which amplified heat retention. Climate change has increased baseline temperatures, making heatwaves more frequent and intense. The recent weather shift is influenced by the dissipation of Hurricane Erin and Tropical Storm Fernand, which brought unseasonable rains and disrupted the prolonged dry spell.
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