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Warmest spring on record declared for England and Wales
TL;DR
England and Wales have recorded their warmest spring ever, as reported by the Met Office. March, April, and May also ranked among the UK's top 10 warmest since 1884, with some areas experiencing six consecutive days above 30C.
Key points
- England and Wales had their warmest spring on record
- March, April, and May ranked in UK's top 10 warmest since 1884
- Some areas recorded six consecutive days above 30C
- Warmest springs are now 2026, 2025, and 2024
- Met Office notes natural variability and long-term warming
England and Wales have experienced their warmest spring on record, according to the Met Office.
March, April and May - the three months which make up meteorological spring - also ranked within the UK's top 10 warmest since records began in 1884.
It comes after a spell of early and unusual heat in late May, which shattered temperature records around the UK. Some areas recorded six consecutive days above 30C.
The three warmest springs on record now stand as 2026, 2025 and 2024.
"This spring highlights both the natural variability of the UK's weather and the longer-term warming we are observing," Met Office Scientist Dr Emily Carlisle said.
She added: "The fact that nine of the 10 warmest springs in England have occurred since 2007 illustrates this ongoing shift in the UK's climate."
Sunshine totals above average for all four nations
Alongside the unusual warmth came widespread sunshine, with all four UK nations recording totals above average.
The UK overall recorded its fourth sunniest spring since records began in 1910.
Meanwhile, England saw its third, Wales its joint eighth and Scotland its ninth sunniest.
The UK's hottest and sunniest spring still stands as 2025 with spring 2026 ranked as third warmest and fourth sunniest.
Below-average rainfall stokes drought concerns
As well as the exceptional spell of heat, spring 2026 was extremely dry in parts of southern and eastern England where counties such as Kent and Cambridgeshire received around a third of their expected rainfall.
The driest place in the country was Shoeburyness in Essex where just 26% of "normal" spring rainfall fell between March and May.
Image caption,
Spring rainfall has shown marked contrasts across the UK, with exceptionally dry conditions in the south and east of England
"No parts of England are currently in drought, but the risk increases the longer it remains hot and dry," Helen Wakeham, Environment Agency Director of Water and Chair of the National Drought Group, said.
Q&A
What are the temperature records for spring in England and Wales?
The warmest springs on record for England and Wales are now 2026, 2025, and 2024.
How many days did some areas in the UK experience temperatures above 30C?
Some areas recorded six consecutive days with temperatures above 30C.
What does the Met Office say about the UK's weather variability?
The Met Office highlights that this spring reflects both the natural variability of the UK's weather and the longer-term warming trends.
