The United Kingdom has just experienced its warmest summer since records began, besting the previous high of 2018.

The average temperature in June, July, and August was higher than at any time since 1884. The previous record, set in the summer of 2018, was exceeded by 0.6 degrees.

There were many reasons for this extreme weather. Persistent high-pressure areas meant that it was often dry, sunny, and warm. In addition, the seas around the UK were warmer than average.

The low rainfall in spring also played a role. When the soil is drier, the sun does not need to expend energy on evaporating water, and the air warms up more.