The UK's climate continued its trend of warming and increasing extreme weather events throughout 2025, according to a comprehensive new report published today. The 'State of the UK Climate 2025' provides an in-depth review of the nation's changing climate, drawing on extensive observations from the land network of weather stations across the country. The findings offer a crucial snapshot of how last year and the most recent decade compare to historical records, detailing significant meteorological extremes experienced throughout 2025.
Released on Wednesday, 15 July 2026, the report was published in the Royal Meteorological Society’s International Journal of Climatology. It brings together expertise from several leading organisations, including the Met Office, the Royal Meteorological Society, the National Oceanography Centre, and the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology. Key authors and contributors include Mike Kendon, a Climate Scientist at the Met Office and the lead author, Professor Liz Bentley, Chief Executive of the Royal Meteorological Society, Dr Svetlana Jevrejeva, a Sea Level Scientist at the National Oceanography Centre, and Lucy Barker, Senior Hydrological Analyst at the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology.
Beyond temperature shifts and extreme weather patterns, the report delves into several critical environmental indicators. It examines changes in river flows, providing insights into the evolving hydrological cycle across the UK. Furthermore, the study addresses the ongoing issue of sea level rise around the British Isles, a significant concern for coastal communities and infrastructure. The report also explores nature's response to these climatic and weather changes, offering a broader ecological perspective on the impacts.
The findings presented in the 'State of the UK Climate 2025' build upon years of meticulous data collection and analysis, contributing to the growing body of evidence on climate change's local effects. This annual assessment is vital for understanding long-term trends and short-term variations, providing the scientific community and policymakers with essential information for future planning and adaptation strategies. The report's detailed observations allow for a nuanced understanding of how different aspects of the UK's environment are being affected by a changing climate.
The research, which is peer-reviewed through its publication in a respected scientific journal, underscores the ongoing need for robust monitoring and analysis of climate indicators. It places the UK's recent climatic experiences within a broader historical context, demonstrating the accelerating pace of change observed over recent decades. This comprehensive approach is crucial for identifying emerging patterns and assessing the effectiveness of current environmental policies.