Living in a country well known for its rainy climate, many Brits never even had to think about getting air conditioning or putting more effort into protecting their homes from the scorching heat. But right now, they’re struggling. The UK is set to see its hottest day on record, with temperatures on Tuesday expected to reach up to 42 C (107.6 F), the BBC reported. On Monday, Wales already broke temperatures for its hottest day on record with 37.1 C. A high of 38.1 C was reached in Suffolk, making it the hottest day of the year so far, but not the highest temperature ever recorded — just short of the UK record of 38.7 C, which happened only three years ago.
The Met Office has released the first-ever red weather warning for the soaring temperatures covering much of central, northern, and southeast England. It stated that there will be "an exceptional hot spell on Monday and Tuesday leading to widespread impacts on people and infrastructure." Temperatures are expected to drop from Wednesday, but the meteorological service warned residents that since then, there is a potential risk of serious illness or even danger to life, so it’s advised to keep safe during the extreme summer heat.
The notice came after the UK Health Security Agency increased its heat-health warning from level three to level four — which constitutes a national emergency. "This is the first time we have issued a Red National Severe Weather Warning for extreme heat and the first time 40°C has been forecast in the UK. In this country, we’re used to treating a hot spell as a chance to go and play in the sun. This is not that sort of weather," Professor Penny Endersby, Chief Executive at the Met Office, said.
"We have seen when climate change has driven such unprecedented severe weather events around the world that it can be difficult for us to make the best decisions because nothing in our life experiences has led us to know what to expect," Endersby added.
The UK Health Security Agency shared a few tips about how to stay safe in the sizzling weather:
- look out for those who may struggle to keep themselves cool and hydrated – older people, those with underlying conditions, and those who live alone are particularly at risk
- stay cool indoors by closing curtains on rooms that face the sun
- drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol
- never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children, or animals
- try to keep out of the sun between 11 AM to 3 PM, when the UV rays are strongest
- if you have to go out in the heat, walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat
- avoid physical exertion in the hottest parts of the day
- take care and make sure to follow local safety advice if you are going into the water to cool down
While there are a few different elements at play driving the ferocious heatwave across western Europe, a high-pressure system called the Azores High is to blame for the hot temperatures. Usually sitting off Spain, it grew larger and pushed to the north, bringing scorching weather to the UK, France, and the Iberian peninsula. As Brits endure what could be the hottest day in their nation’s history, the conversation inevitably turns to climate change.
"We hoped we wouldn’t get to this situation but for the first time ever, we are forecasting greater than 40°C in the UK." Climate attribution scientist at the Met Office, Dr. Nikos Christidis, said. "In a recent study, we found that the likelihood of extremely hot days in the UK has been increasing and will continue to do so during the course of the century, with the most extreme temperatures expected to be observed in the southeast of England."
