There are a number of reasons why this summer was so warm.

High pressure was regularly overhead, meaning long spells of dry, calm, sunny weather.

The dry ground also helped temperatures to climb.

Less of the Sun’s energy was used in evaporating moisture leaving more to heat the ground and the air.

A marine heatwave also played a part with sea temperatures in parts of the UK up to 3C above normal at times, reducing the usual cooling effect around the coast.

However, scientists are clear that climate change is making our summers hotter and drier.

Nine of the last 10 summers (2016-2025) have brought temperatures above the long-term norm.

The number of very hot days with temperatures above 30C (86F) has more than trebled in the most recent decade compared with the 1961-1990 average.