Dr Phil Smith ugust was a persistently warm month, culminating in the UK’s hottest summer since records began over 150 years ago. Thank goodness, the prolonged dry spell, with five heatwaves, broke in mid-month, Atlantic lows bringing desperately needed rain. In Formby, measurable rain fell on 15 days with a total of about 68 mm,...

Dr Phil Smith In my notes for June this year, I described various heatwaves, concluding with “There could be more to come.” That prediction became abundantly true; the Met. Office described July as “A remarkable month.” England and Wales had the driest July since records began 190 years ago! This was coupled with exceptional warmth....