U.K. heatwave breaks 50-year June temperature record with 38C forecast
· Toronto Sun
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Thursday’s forecasted high of 38C in Britain could set another record as the hottest day in June, shattering a record of 35.6C from 1976.
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According to the Met Office, the United Kingdom’s national weather and climate service, the temperature was broken four times on Wednesday, with the highest temperature at 36.1C in Gosport, Hampshire. This came after 36C was recorded in Gosport and also in Wisley, Surrey, 35.8C in Wiggonholt, West Sussex, and 35.7C in Charlwood, Surrey, per The Independent .
The record-breaking temperatures hit as much of the U.K. is experiencing scorching hot and humid conditions, which spawned a rare red warning from the Met Office for extreme heat.
‘Heat dome’ over western Europe
The heatwave has already caused health warnings, school closures and disruption to transportation. It’s caused by a “heat dome” that’s currently over western Europe, which brings extreme conditions across the continent, The Independent reported.
The Met Office’s extreme heat warnings will remain in place as heat-related illnesses are set to continue.
The BBC reported the heat is expected to start easing from Friday on as wind direction changes and temperatures return closer to average for next week.
On Thursday, temperatures could be as high as 37C or 38C in central southern England. Things will be slightly cooler in Scotland and Northern Ireland with temperatures up to 25C to 30C.
Northern Scotland will be cooler, with highs around 15-20C.
Amber extreme warnings, the Met Office’s second-highest level, will still be in place for parts of England through Saturday.
Heavy showers and thunderstorms could develop in southwest England on Thursday, with the possibility of gusty winds, intense rainfall and some localized flash flooding, the BBC noted.
Stark illustration of climate change
The Independent reported experts warned that the breaking of a 50-year-old temperature record is a stark illustration of climate change that’s fueled by fossil fuel burning, which leads to more frequent and intense heatwaves.
The temperature figures are provisional, and the Met Office will verify them at the end of the heatwave to see whether they officially set a new record.
“If confirmed, a new June daily temperature record would be significant, especially following on the heels of the recent records set in May,” Met Office science manager Amy Doherty told The Independent.
“The new record provides further evidence that temperatures previously considered extreme are becoming increasingly common as a result of human-induced climate change.”
To beat the heat, some schools were closed or partially closed, while transportation services have been disrupted, and people were urged to stay inside, close windows and curtains, and stay hydrated.
The heatwave has people calling on the government to take more action to protect the U.K. from extreme heat, including measures to cool hospitals, schools and care homes.
According to The Met Office, the frequency and intensity of heatwaves have increased globally.
“Human-induced climate change has made events like this more likely and more intense,” said Met Office chief scientist Stephen Belcher, per The Independent .
“To see temperatures like this in the U.K. in June is sobering. Events like this bring home the implications of climate change, with very high temperatures and humidity bringing significant health implications from heat stress, as well as impacts to a range of sectors such as transport, energy and water supply.”