Channel Islands face their hottest summer on record, meteorologists say

The Channel Islands have recorded an exceptionally hot and dry summer so far, with Jersey and Guernsey reporting mean temperatures well above the 1991–2020 average and markedly reduced rainfall, Jersey Met said.

Jersey’s mean temperature from 1 June to 15 August is 20.9°C, 3.2°C above the long-term average, while Guernsey’s mean is 19.2°C, about 3.0°C higher than its 1991–2020 norm. Both islands experienced overnight highs and daytime lows contributing to these elevated means.

Record peak temperatures were observed on 25 June, when Guernsey reached 36.4°C and Jersey recorded 39.3°C, each marking the highest temperature on record for the respective island.

Rainfall totals were significantly below the 30-year averages: Jersey recorded 69.6mm compared with an average of 158.0mm, and Guernsey recorded 43.2mm against an average of 147.6mm. Despite the low rainfall, meteorologists said this has not produced drought conditions or led to hosepipe bans across the islands.

Liberal News Analysis: What Does This Development Mean?

Mean temperatures for 1 June to 15 August exceed the 1991–2020 averages by around 3°C for both Jersey and Guernsey. Both islands logged their highest-ever single-day temperatures on 25 June. Rainfall over the same period is substantially below the 30-year averages, yet no drought declaration or hosepipe restrictions have been applied.

Paul Aked of Jersey Met noted the summer has similarities to the 1976 drought but with higher peak temperatures and more heatwave periods. He emphasized the moderating influence of surrounding sea temperatures and stated that a hot summer does not imply a predictably cold or wet winter.

Quick Glance: What You Need to Know

• Jersey mean temperature 1 June–15 August: 20.9°C, 3.2°C above 1991–2020 average.
• Guernsey mean temperature 1 June–15 August: 19.2°C, about 3.0°C above 1991–2020 average.
• Record highs on 25 June: Jersey 39.3°C, Guernsey 36.4°C; Jersey rainfall 69.6mm vs. 158.0mm average, Guernsey rainfall 43.2mm vs. 147.6mm average.