Despite 2018 beginning with the now infamous “Beast from the East” cold snap, the average temperature for 2018 was 9.49C (49F), meaning that 2018 has been confirmed by the Met Office as the seventh hottest year on record.
Due to the 6-week heat wave experienced country-wide over the summer, plus a mild Autumn, what started as one of the coldest years became one of the hottest.
The UK also experienced 1,581 hours of sunshine – making it the second sunniest year since records began in 1929 and narrowly missing the top spot, which is still held by 2003 where 1,587 hours of sunshine was recorded.
The south of England was not only hot but particularly dry too; with parts of it experiencing the lowest rainfall for over 100 years.
Considering the top 10 hottest years since records began have all occurred within the last twenty years, it is evident that temperatures in the UK are increasing.
Read: https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/news/releases/2018/weather-review-of-2018
