Experts are cautioning that a humidity “heat dome” is looming over Britain in the upcoming days due to an extraordinary heatwave fueled by climate change.
Daytime temperatures are forecasted to soar to around 38C, with “tropical nights” making it challenging to sleep as residences struggle to cool down. Scientists are predicting temperatures exceeding 43C later in the summer, leading to some homes turning into “uninhabitable heattraps.” Concerns are raised about potential overwhelming of A&E services, as well as possible failures in transportation and energy infrastructure.
Dr. Akshay Deoras, a research scientist at the National Centre for Atmospheric Science and the Department of Meteorology at Reading University, emphasized the severity of the situation, describing it as a heat-dome-driven phenomenon that will envelop most of southern UK, pushing temperatures into unprecedented levels.
The Met Office has extended an amber alert for extreme heat until at least the end of Thursday, with temperatures expected to reach record highs of 38C or 39C this week. Prof Liz Bentley of the Royal Meteorological Society highlighted the trend of breaking temperature records by significant margins in May and June.
Bill McGuire, a climate hazards expert, pointed out that the UK is experiencing extreme temperatures due to global heating, with the possibility of temperatures exceeding 43C becoming more common. He warned of health risks, infrastructure challenges, and potential societal impacts resulting from the prolonged heatwaves.
The heatwave, originating from mainland Europe, is expected to bring temperatures as high as 44C in parts of western France. The increased humidity accompanying this heatwave is a notable difference from past events, intensifying the oppressive conditions.
Dr. Deoras explained that a heat dome, a large area of high pressure over the UK and western Europe, is driving this weather pattern. He attributed the extreme temperatures to human-induced climate change, amplifying the intensity of heatwaves. The likelihood of tropical nights exacerbates the situation, hindering the body’s ability to cool down and recover from the heat.
Northern regions of England and Wales are under an amber alert for extreme heat on Wednesday and Thursday, with temperatures expected to surpass 30C. Dr. Chloe Brimicombe from Oxford University expressed concerns about the potential for consecutive months of record-breaking temperatures.
Professor Richard Allan from Reading University highlighted the unprecedented nature of the heatwave and underscored the urgency of addressing greenhouse gas emissions to combat climate change effectively.