UK Braces for Record-Breaking Heatwave

The Impending Heatwave

The Met Office has expanded its extreme heat warning for the UK, predicting record-breaking highs of 38C (100.4F) this week. The Met Office forecasts that extremely high temperatures could last from Monday until Thursday, leading to health concerns for elderly and vulnerable people.

Forecast and Records

The forecaster said there was 'growing confidence' that this week may break the record for the hottest June temperature of 35.6C, which was set in 1976 in Southampton and Camden Square, London, in June 1957. It said there was a 25% chance of temperatures exceeding 40C.

Health Concerns and Precautions

'The forecast heatwave is developing into an impactful severe weather event, with record-breaking June temperatures and very high humidity,' said Tom Crabtree, a Met Office deputy chief forecaster. 'The combination of heat and humidity will be oppressive and bring impacts across society from public health and infrastructure, to power and water supplies.'

Regional Impact and Alerts

Monday and Tuesday's warning covers most of southern England, central and eastern Wales, and much of the Midlands. The peak of the heatwave is forecast for Wednesday and Thursday, when temperatures are expected to climb to 38C, and when the Met Office alert extends to parts of Greater Manchester, Yorkshire and Cheshire.

Future Outlook and Climate Change

'Climate change is definitely playing a role in these temperatures. What happened in 2022 could happen again this week,' said a Met Office meteorologist. The increasingly regular occurrence of extreme heat events is most severely affecting elderly people and those on low incomes.