Britain’s summer is rewriting weather history as another wave of scorching heat heads towards the country, with temperatures expected to soar to 36°C and farmers already feeling the impact of record-breaking drought conditions.
The UK is now on track for its fifth heatwave of the year, raising fresh concerns over climate change, agriculture, and food security.
The UK is set to experience another spell of extreme heat as temperatures rise across eastern and southeastern England next week, following a record number of days above 30°C this year.
The country has recorded 35 days with temperatures reaching at least 30°C, surpassing the previous record of 34 days set in 1995. Frittenden in Kent recorded 30.6°C on Sunday, contributing to the historic tally.
Forecasters expect temperatures to climb further after a brief cooler period on Monday, with parts of East Anglia and southeast England likely to reach 36°C by Thursday.
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The prolonged heat and dry conditions have placed increasing pressure on Britain’s agricultural sector, with farmers facing one of the toughest growing seasons in recent years.
According to the Met Office, England experienced its driest July on record, creating difficult conditions for crop production.
Suffolk farmer John Pawsey said the drought had severely affected his harvest, particularly crops including oats, wheat, and vetch.
“It suddenly, completely dried out,” Pawsey told AFP, describing the drought as a period that “just seems to have gone on forever.”
He said the impact became clear when harvesting began, with crop yields falling by 25% to 30% compared with expectations.
Pawsey said farmers must adapt to changing climate conditions by adopting more resilient methods, including planting crops suited to hotter and drier environments and improving farming techniques to protect soil health.
The repeated heatwaves and prolonged drought have increased concerns about Britain’s long-term food security.
Food security expert Timothy Benton said climate change would require major changes in agricultural systems, including reducing dependence on intensive farming and developing more sustainable approaches.
“A more circular, diverse farming system” would create a more secure food supply chain and reduce reliance on imports, Benton said.
He warned that climate impacts would continue to grow and called for greater investment in technology and innovation to help farmers respond to changing weather patterns.
UK breaks multiple weather records
The latest heatwave comes after an extraordinary summer of record-breaking weather across the UK.
The country recorded its first year with temperatures reaching 35°C in three consecutive months May, June, and July. England also experienced its warmest June on record, while July became the driest month ever recorded in southern England since records began.
Other records included the highest May daily temperature, the lowest July rainfall levels for England and Wales, and the sunniest July on record.
Meteorologists have warned that the upcoming heatwave could bring health risks, particularly for vulnerable groups, while also putting pressure on infrastructure and water supplies.
As Britain faces another period of extreme heat, farmers and climate experts say adapting to a warmer and drier future will be essential to protect the country’s environment and food system.
