England and Wales have recorded their warmest spring on record, according to provisional figures released by the Met Office. The seasonal mean average temperature for the period from 1 March to 31 May was the highest since comparable data began in 1884.
This unprecedented warmth was significantly influenced by an "exceptionally early and record-breaking spell of heat at the end of May," the Met Office said. Across the UK as a whole, it was the third warmest spring on record, with Scotland and Northern Ireland also experiencing notably high temperatures.
A National Drought Group meeting is scheduled to take place in the coming weeks to assess the impact of the recent heatwave. The Met Office's provisional figures highlight a trend of rising temperatures, with climate scientists warning that such extreme weather events could become more frequent.
The spring heatwave has raised concerns about water supplies and agriculture, with farmers reporting early crop growth but also potential risks of drought. The National Drought Group will bring together representatives from government agencies, water companies, and environmental groups to discuss mitigation strategies.
