London is in the midst of a heatwave and there are fears that 2023 could be the hottest year on record.
According to global average temperaturestaken so far in June, the world is experiencing temperatures nearly 1C above levels previously recorded for the same month, based on data going back to 1976.
Climate scientists warned that “remarkable global warmth” so far in June, breached a 1.5C increase even when compared with pre-industrial periods.
Indeed, three of the top 10 hottest summers on record have taken place in the last five years, demonstrating a rising trend of increasing temperatures.
As the summer heat gets underway in the UK, here is a look back at some of the hottest summers we’ve ever had.
What have been the top 10 hottest summers on record?
When it comes to the top 10 hottest summers ever recorded in the UK, we need to look at the average temperature for the season.
Here’s a look at the top 10 ranking of hottest summers since 1884, according to this metric using data from the Met Office:
- 2018: Average temperature of 15.76C
- 2006: Average temperature of 15.75C
- 2003: Average temperature of 15.74C
- 2022: Average temperature of 15.72C
- 1976: Average temperature of 15.7C
- 1995: Average temperature of 15.52C
- 1933: Average temperature of 15.38C
- 1899: Average temperature of 15.29C
- 1947: Average temperature of 15.29C
- 2021: Average temperature of 15.27C
What have been the top 10 hottest days on record?
Of course, a year having the hottest average temperature doesn’t mean it also has the highest temperature.
Here’s a look at the hottest temperatures ever recorded in the UK and where they were recorded.
- 40.3C, July 19, 2022 in Coningsby, Lincolnshire
- 38.7C,July 25, 2019in Cambridge, Cambridgeshire
- 38.5C, August 10, 2003 in Faversham, Kent
- 38.2C, July 18, 2022 in Pitsford, Northamptonshire[6]
- 37.8C , July 31, 2020in Heathrow, Greater London
- 37.1C, August 3, 1990 in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
- 36.7C, July 1, 2015 in Heathrow, Greater London
- 36.7C, August 9, 1911 in Raunds, Northamptonshire
- 36.6C, August 2, 1990 in Worcester, Worcestershire
- 36.5C, July 19, 2006 in Wisley, Surrey
