The influence of the 12 August 2026 solar eclipse on temperature in England and Wales

Abstract

Largely clear skies during a heatwave provided a unique opportunity to observe one of the most significant solar eclipses visible across the UK in the twenty first century, on 12 August 2026. Temperature observations from 30 stations across England and Wales are analysed. The eclipse occurred during, and accelerated, the evening transition, with cooling rates reaching three to four times those expected on a similar mid‐August evening. This produced a mean air temperature reduction of approximately 1.8°C, peaking 16min after local maximum eclipse. Comparisons with recent UK events are made, and eclipse representation in numerical weather prediction is briefly discussed.