UK summer 2026: BBC postcode lookup shows how hot and dry it was

UK summer 2026: BBC postcode lookup shows how hot and dry it was

The data used in this lookup is sourced from the HadUK Grid dataset, which is developed by the Met Office Hadley Centre. This dataset plays a crucial role in scientific efforts to monitor and study climate changes throughout the United Kingdom. The HadUK Grid provides detailed information on temperature and rainfall by dividing the UK’s landmass into a uniform grid system, making it one of the most comprehensive climate data products publicly accessible in the region.

Covering the entirety of the UK (excluding the Channel Islands), the dataset assigns estimated values to the central points of 1km by 1km grid squares. These estimations are derived from measurements collected at land-based weather stations nationwide. Additionally, factors such as altitude, terrain, and proximity to the coast are incorporated to fill in data gaps between stations, ensuring a more accurate and continuous climate representation.

The values displayed for each grid cell represent averaged measurements, not only from the cell itself but also from its surrounding nearest cells. Typically, this aggregation corresponds to a 5km square area centered on the main grid cell. In coastal or island regions where geography is less regular, nearby cells are selected according to the specific shape of the land, with no contributing cells located more than 7km away. This method helps mitigate sudden discrepancies between neighboring locations by smoothing data while maintaining the fine scale needed to capture local climate variations.

It is important to note that the data for the year 2026 is provisional, as it is based on a smaller pool of observations due to delays in data reporting. Consequently, these figures may be updated as more information becomes available. For historical comparison, averages are calculated over a 30-year reference period from 1991 to 2020, aligning with standards set by the United Nations’ World Meteorological Organization.

Regarding what the weather metrics represent, the average temperature is calculated as the mean across the chosen grid cells over a given month or season. Maximum temperature refers to the average of the daily peak temperatures recorded across these cells, while minimum temperature is the corresponding average of daily lows. Rainfall totals indicate the sum of precipitation over the month or season, averaged throughout the relevant grid cells.

Acknowledgment is given to Dan Hollis, Amy Doherty, and Oli Claydon of the UK Met Office for their support with the methodology used in this dataset

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