The United Kingdom is in for an exceptionally hot week with scorching temperatures expected to persist following the arrival of a significant heat dome over the country, resulting in what could be the warmest Bank Holiday on record.
An official heatwave was declared in eight locations in the southeast of England after three consecutive days of temperatures exceeding 27C, culminating in a new May heat record with a recorded “tropical night.”
Following the record-breaking temperature of 34.8C in Kew Gardens on May Day, the highest daily minimum for the month was set at 21.3C in Kenley Airfield, south London.
The UK Health Security Agency has issued amber heat-health alerts for five regions in England, cautioning about potential strain on health and social care services, especially for individuals aged 65 and above or with underlying health conditions.
Although temperatures are expected to gradually decrease from the middle of the week, the heatwave is forecasted to persist, with dry weather and sunny spells continuing, keeping temperatures in the high 20Cs for many regions.
Unfortunately for those struggling to sleep, the Met Office anticipates the heatwave to persist until May 31.
The official three-day heatwave threshold set by the Met Office is 25C for Scotland, Northern Ireland, much of Wales, and northern England, while it rises to 26C or 27C for the rest of England and southeast Wales.
According to weather maps, London is expected to reach highs of 24C next Sunday at 4pm, with other parts of England experiencing temperatures in the early 20s, dropping as low as 18C in Glasgow and Plymouth.
The Met Office forecasts very high temperatures to persist, with London, the Home Counties, and Cambridgeshire expected to reach a peak of 35C, while temperatures above 30C will be widespread across eastern Wales and eastern, southern, and central England.
Experts caution that non-summer heatwaves may become more frequent in Britain due to climate change, leading to heightened spring temperatures and more extreme weather swings.
Professor Chris Brierley, a Professor of Climate Science at University College London, warned that the impacts of climate change will likely manifest through increased instances of extreme heat, which could have significant health implications, especially when occurring during already hot periods.
Another sunny and dry day is expected across England and Wales with the heatwave persisting, although there is a slight chance of afternoon heavy, thundery showers, while northern Scotland will experience fresher conditions.
The east will see a cooler breeze, but warm weather will prevail elsewhere, with mainly dry conditions, although some showers may occur intermittently.