The United Kingdom is in for an exceptionally hot week with scorching temperatures expected to persist following the arrival of a significant ‘historic’ heat dome over the country, potentially making it the warmest Bank Holiday on record.
Eight locations in the southeast of England officially entered a heatwave as temperatures exceeded 27C for three consecutive days. The heatwave intensified, setting a new heat record for May with an official “tropical night” recorded.
After experiencing its hottest May Day ever with temperatures reaching 34.8C in Kew Gardens, the UK witnessed a new record for the highest daily minimum temperature for the month as temperatures remained above 21.3C at Kenley Airfield in south London.
The UK Health Security Agency issued amber heat-health alerts for five regions in England, cautioning of increased strain on health and social care services. The agency highlighted the risk of higher mortality rates, especially among individuals aged 65 and above or those with underlying health issues.
While temperatures are expected to slightly decrease later in the week, the heatwave will persist. The weather will remain predominantly dry with sunny intervals, and many areas will continue to experience temperatures in the high 20Cs.
Unfortunately, for those struggling to sleep, the Met Office anticipates the heatwave lasting until May 31.
The Met Office has established the official three-day heatwave threshold at 25C for Scotland, Northern Ireland, much of Wales, and northern England, while for the rest of England and southeast Wales, the benchmark is set at 26C or 27C.
Weather forecasts from the Met Office indicate highs of 24C in London next Sunday at 4pm, with temperatures in other parts of England ranging in the early 20s and dropping to 18C in Glasgow and Plymouth.
The Met Office forecasts very high temperatures to continue, with London, the Home Counties, and Cambridgeshire expected to reach 35C. Temperatures exceeding 30C are also forecasted across eastern Wales, and eastern, southern, and central England away from coastal regions.
Experts warn that non-summer heatwaves may become more frequent, with Britain likely to face intense spring conditions due to climate change triggering extreme weather fluctuations.
Professor Chris Brierley from University College London highlighted the increasing likelihood of more heatwaves in May as a consequence of global warming, emphasizing the significant health implications of such extreme heat events.
The ongoing heatwave will persist across England and Wales, with minimal chances of thundery showers in the afternoon and cooler conditions in northern Scotland. The east will experience a fresher feel due to onshore breezes, while warm temperatures will prevail elsewhere with occasional showers possible.