For the first time on record, temperatures in Great Britain have exceeded 40°C.
A temporary temperature of 40.2°C was recorded at Heathrow at 12.50pm today, which, if confirmed, will beat the previous record of 38.7°C set in 2019 by 1.5°C.
With temperatures continuing to rise through the afternoon, we will have to wait to see what the new record will actually be. New temperature records could also be set for Wales and Scotland.
The first ever Red Extreme Heat Warning is still in place for all parts of England along with a larger Amber Extreme Heat Warning covering most of England, Wales and southern Scotland. With the extreme heat today comes the risk of thunderstorms, particularly in parts of the southwest today and, later, northeast England. A yellow storm warning has been issued for parts of the southeast tomorrow.
Temperatures remained above 20°C in many areas last night and overnight temperature records are expected to have been broken with 25.8°C temporarily recorded in Kenley in Surrey and 24.5°C in Aberporth in Wales, surpassing the previous daily minimum record of 23.9. °C, recorded at Brighton on 3 August 1990.
Met Office Chief Meteorologist Neil Armstrong said: “We are continuing to see exceptional temperatures in the UK today and it is important that people plan for the heat and consider changing their routines. This level of heat can have adverse health effects.”
“Along with the extreme heat, we are now seeing an increased risk of thunderstorms, particularly in the north east of England this afternoon (Tuesday) and in the south tomorrow (Wednesday).
The increase in the red warning level last week complemented the increase of the current heat health warning to level 4 for England by the UK Health Safety Agency.
What happens next
Although it will be an unseasonably hot day for many, especially in central and eastern England, it will however become cloudier and less hot as we move west through the day with a chance of a few showers or thunderstorms. Stormy risks will move into eastern England later this afternoon with the potential for some isolated heavy rain, strong winds and lightning.
Temperatures are expected to start to return closer to normal for the time of year as we spend the rest of the week with cooler air pushing across the country from the west.
You can find the latest forecasts on our website by following usI tweetand Facebook, as well as in our mobile app which is available for iPhone from the App Store and for Android from the Google Play store. Keep track of current weather warnings on the weather warning page.
Is it because of climate change?
“We hoped not to get to this situation, but for the first time we are forecasting more than 40°C in Great Britain. Met Office climate attribution scientist Dr Nikos Christidis said: “In a recent study we found that the likelihood of extremely hot days in the UK has increased and will continue to increase over the course of the century, with more the most extreme temperatures are expected in the south-east of England.
“Climate change has already affected the likelihood of temperature extremes in the UK. The chances of seeing 40°C days in the UK could be 10 times more likely in the current climate than in a natural climate unaffected by human influence. The likelihood of exceeding 40°C anywhere in the UK in any given year has also increased rapidly and, even with current pledges to reduce emissions, such extremes could occur every 15 years in the 2100 climate.
A recent Met Office study found that summers that see days above 40°C anywhere in the UK have a payback time of 100-300 years at the moment, even with current pledges to cut emissions this could be down to 15 years by 2100.
Extreme heat events occur within natural climate changes due to changes in global weather patterns. However, the increase in frequency, duration and intensity of these events during the last decades is clearly related to the observed warming of the planet and can be attributed to human activity.
The chances of seeing 40°C days in the UK could be 10 times more likely in the current climate than in a natural climate unaffected by human influence. The chance of exceeding 40°C anywhere in the UK in any given year has also increased rapidly
While a 1°C increase in background temperature may not seem significant, the resulting increase in the severity of extreme heat events is already evident in the observed data. This has far-reaching and significant implications.
Advice
A UK Health Safety Agency level 4 health alert has been issued for Monday and Tuesday. This is the alert level used when a heat wave is so severe and/or prolonged that its effects extend beyond the health and social care system. At this level, the disease can occur among fit and healthy persons, and not only in high-risk groups.
Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, said: “Heat health alerts have now been issued across much of the country, with temperatures set to remain consistently high throughout the weekend and into of next week. week.
“It’s important to keep yourself hydrated and find shade where possible when UV rays are strongest, between 11am and 3pm.
“If you have vulnerable family, friends and neighbors, make sure they are aware of how they can protect themselves from the warm weather.”
Peter Jenkins, director of campaigns, Water UK said: “Water companies are seeing significant demand during this unseasonably hot weather. We can all help make sure there’s enough to go around by being aware of how much water we use and making sure we stay hydrated and safe.
“By making small changes indoors or in the garden, you can have a big impact on our water consumption. Our ‘Warit’s Worth Saving’ campaign has loads of useful advice showing the simple things we can all do to save this precious resource, so it remains available now and in the future.”
Mel Clarke, Customer Service Director for Operations at National Highways, said: “It’s always important to plan ahead for your journey and this advice is no different during periods of hot weather. Our advice is that everyone should check their vehicles, such as tyres, coolant and oil levels, before setting off.”
Learn more about hot weather driving with National Highways.
Government advice is that 999 services should only be used in emergencies; seek advice from 111 if you need non-urgent health advice.
The main ways to stay safe when the heat comes are:
- Look out for those who may struggle to keep themselves cool and hydrated. Older people, those with underlying illnesses and those living alone are particularly at risk.
- If you live alone, ask a relative or friend to call to check that you are not struggling during periods of extreme heat.
- Stay cool indoors: Close curtains in sun-facing rooms to keep indoor spaces cooler, and remember that it can be cooler outside than inside.
- If you go outside, use cold spaces carefully.
- Drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol.
- Never leave anyone in a locked, parked vehicle, especially infants, small children or pets.
- Try to stay out of the sun between 11am and 3pm, when UV rays are strongest.
- Walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat if you must go out in the heat.
- Avoid physical exertion in the hottest parts of the day.
- Be sure to take water with you if you are traveling.
- Check the latest weather forecasts and temperature warnings – you can find them on TV, radio, mobile app or website.
- During warm weather, swimming can bring much-welcome relief. If you are going to enter open water to cool off, take care and follow local safety advice.
