How the 1976 UK heatwave compares to today's hotter climate
The article examines the legendary UK heatwave of 1976 and compares it to modern climate conditions. While 1976 featured 15 consecutive days over 32°C amid a year-long drought, today's climate has warmed by about 1°C globally, making summer 2025 hotter overall for the UK. Modern heatwaves are now 3°C or 4°C hotter than the 1976 benchmark, illustrating how climate change has intensified extreme weather events.
Key quotes
The summer of 1976 was an extraordinary heatwave for its time.
With 15 consecutive days of temperatures over 32°C, it was an unprecedented length for a UK heatwave.
Global temperatures have risen by about 1°C since then and summer 2025 was hotter than 1976 for the UK.
Today, heatwaves are 3°C or 4°C hotter.
You might also wanna read
Empty reservoirs, ladybirds and sunstroke: remembering the UK heatwave of 1976
The Guardian·3d ago
Empty reservoirs, ladybirds and sunstroke: remembering the UK heatwave of 1976
The Guardian·3d ago
UK set for highs of 34C next week as heatwave conditions may return
Sky News·3d ago
Amber heat-health alerts in effect as UK set for one of longest-lasting heatwaves since 1976
BBC·22h ago
Amber heat-health alerts in effect as UK set for one of longest-lasting heatwaves since 1976
BBC·22h ago
UK enters a third heatwave - with temperatures set to hit 35C
Sky News·3d ago
When is the next heatwave? Parts of the UK to see temperatures hit 34C in July
Reading Chronicle·2d ago
Climate change intensifies European heatwave by 2-4°C, UK issues rare red warning
Europe is experiencing a severe heatwave made 2-4°C worse by global warming, with the UK issuing only its second-ever "red" extreme heat war
economist.com·13d ago
Comments
Sign in to join the conversation.
No comments yet. Be the first.