Is 2025 the Hottest and Sunniest Year Ever for the UK?

The Met Office has confirmed that 2025 is the warmest and sunniest year on record in the United Kingdom, with an average temperature reaching 10.09°C. This surpasses the previous record of 10.03°C set in 2022, marking only the second year where the mean annual temperature has exceeded 10°C. Furthermore, 2025 saw unprecedented sunshine, with 1,648.5 hours recorded, making it the sunniest year since records began.

Last updated: 27 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The Met Office's confirmation of 2025 as the warmest and sunniest year on record underscores significant climate changes impacting the UK. With the average temperature exceeding 10°C and record sunshine hours, these statistics highlight the urgent need for discussions around climate resilience and adaptation. The year also experienced extreme weather events, including Storm Éowyn, which brought severe wind gusts and widespread disruption. As the UK faces increasing weather volatility, understanding these changes is crucial for households, businesses, and policymakers alike.

Key takeaways

2025 recorded an average temperature of 10.09°C, the highest since records began.
It became the sunniest year on record with 1,648.5 hours of sunshine.
Storm Éowyn was notable for its severity, resulting in significant damage and disruption.
Four heatwaves contributed to the overall warmth of summer 2025.
The year also marked the driest spring since 1974, raising concerns about water shortages.

Timeline: how we got here

Key dates leading to the record-breaking year include:

January 2025: Storm Éowyn causes widespread damage across Northern Ireland and Scotland.
March–May 2025: The UK experiences its warmest spring on record, with extremely low rainfall.
June 2025: The first of four heatwaves begins, pushing temperatures above 33°C.
August 2025: The fourth heatwave peaks with temperatures reaching 33.4°C in England.
November 2025: An Arctic wind results in a sharp temperature drop, with significant snowfall recorded.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The Met Office's latest report confirms 2025 as the warmest and sunniest year on record, with provisional data indicating a significant departure from past averages. The data highlights the ongoing trend of rising temperatures in the UK, contributing to growing concerns about climate change.

What was already established

Previous records set in 2022 and 2023 showed a gradual increase in temperatures and sunshine hours. The trends noted in 2025 align with climate models predicting more extreme weather events and higher average temperatures as the UK continues to navigate the impacts of climate change.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The record temperatures and dry conditions have immediate implications for UK households. Water shortages have been a concern, particularly in areas where hosepipe bans were implemented due to low reservoir levels. Additionally, the high temperatures may lead to increased energy bills as residents rely on cooling systems during heatwaves.

Businesses and jobs

Businesses, particularly in agriculture and tourism, are feeling the effects of the changing climate. Crop yields may be affected by the extreme heat and variable rainfall, while tourism may see fluctuations depending on weather conditions. The construction and energy sectors are also adapting to more frequent extreme weather patterns.

Policy and regulation

Policymakers are under increasing pressure to develop strategies that address the implications of climate change on various sectors. Upcoming consultations may focus on water management and infrastructure resilience to prepare for future weather extremes. The government will likely need to reevaluate existing policies to ensure they reflect the new climate realities.

Numbers that matter

10.09°C: The average temperature for 2025, the highest recorded.
1,648.5 hours: Total sunshine hours in 2025, surpassing the previous record.
33.4°C: Highest temperature recorded in England during the fourth heatwave.
84%: Total rainfall across the UK, indicating significant variability in weather patterns.
25cm: Snow accumulation in northern and eastern Scotland due to late-season weather events.

Definitions and jargon buster

Met Office: The UK’s national weather service, responsible for providing weather forecasts and warnings.
Heatwave: A prolonged period of excessively hot weather, which may be accompanied by high humidity.
Storm Éowyn: A significant weather event in January 2025, characterised by severe winds and widespread disruption.
Reservoir: A large natural or artificial lake used as a source of water supply.
Pembrokeshire Dangler: A weather phenomenon in which showers move south, typically bringing rain to south-west Wales and Cornwall.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate future, monitoring weather forecasts will be crucial as the UK transitions into autumn. Residents should prepare for potential storms and cold snaps, especially given the recent weather volatility. Water conservation measures may still be necessary as reservoir levels recover.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As winter approaches, attention will shift to heating needs and energy consumption. Households may want to consider energy-efficient solutions to reduce costs as colder weather sets in. Additionally, businesses should prepare for potential supply chain disruptions due to weather extremes.

Signals to watch

Monthly weather reports from the Met Office, noting temperature and precipitation trends.
Updates on water reservoir levels, particularly in drought-prone areas.
Government announcements on new policies addressing climate change and resilience measures.

Practical guidance

Do

Stay informed about weather forecasts and warnings issued by the Met Office.
Implement water-saving measures at home, especially during dry spells.
Consider investing in energy-efficient appliances to manage heating costs.

Don’t

Ignore local weather warnings, especially during storms or extreme heat.
Assume that past weather patterns will continue unchanged; adapt to new conditions.
Underestimate the impact of climate change on daily life and planning.

Checklist

Review your home’s insulation and heating systems for efficiency.
Prepare an emergency kit for severe weather events.
Monitor local water usage and adhere to any restrictions.
Stay connected with community resources for support during extreme weather.
Educate yourself on climate change impacts relevant to your area.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the Met Office's data is based on established methodologies, predictions about future weather patterns remain uncertain. The severity and frequency of extreme weather events can vary widely due to numerous factors, including global climate patterns and local geographical influences. Ongoing research is essential to better understand these risks and their implications for the UK.

Bottom line

The confirmation that 2025 is the warmest and sunniest year on record serves as a critical reminder of the changing climate in the UK. As weather patterns continue to shift, it is vital for individuals and communities to adapt and prepare for the implications of these changes. Taking proactive measures can help mitigate the impact of future weather extremes.

FAQs

What factors contributed to the record temperatures in 2025?

The record temperatures in 2025 were influenced by multiple heatwaves, climate change trends, and reduced rainfall, leading to significant variations in weather patterns across the UK.

How does Storm Éowyn compare to previous storms?

Storm Éowyn was one of the most powerful storms in the last decade, with widespread wind gusts exceeding 80mph, making it notable for its impact on transport and infrastructure.

What can households do to prepare for climate-related disruptions?

Households can prepare by monitoring weather forecasts, conserving water, and ensuring that their heating systems are energy-efficient to manage costs during extreme weather events.