It was pretty much like this in 1976 (yes, I'm that old). We've had localised droughts too. 2003 sticks in my mind - Faversham held the record for just under 100F, and the London Jubilee line had everyone clustered round the windows, and no-one holding the rails as they were too hot (the trains stand outside at the depot near West Ham). My part of the world had lots of crispy grass, burning fields, and dried up streams and ponds, pretty much like now.

I suppose this is probably the second significant drought I've experienced in SE England. It's something like 3 months of sunshine and no rain. Given our summers are usually wet and mild, careful what you wish for...

https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/about-us/press-office/news/weat...