UK records first month without rain in parts of southern England and Wales

For the first time since systematic observations began, parts of southern England and Wales recorded no rainfall at all during the month of July, according to the UK Met Office. The dry spell coincided with an unusually hot and sunny period that saw temperatures consistently above the long‑term July average and sunshine totals that ranked among the highest on record for the region.

The Met Office reported that several weather stations in the south‑west and southeast recorded zero millimetres of precipitation, while nearby locations logged only trace amounts. Average daily highs reached 27 °C to 30 °C, and the region experienced more than 300 hours of sunshine, well above the typical 200‑hour benchmark. The combination of heat and lack of rain has prompted drought alerts from water utilities and raised concerns for agriculture, prompting authorities to advise water‑saving measures and monitor soil moisture levels. The unprecedented dry month underscores the variability of the UK’s climate and may influence future planning for water resources and heat‑wave preparedness.