The UK is bracing for potentially record-breaking temperatures this week, with forecasts indicating a possible high of 42C. The current highest temperature on record is 40.3C, set during the scorching July 2022 heatwave. However, new data suggests that the ongoing heatwave across the country could push temperatures nearly 2C higher.
The Met Office has issued rare amber and red weather warnings for England and Wales, with some regions expected to experience temperatures reaching up to 40C on Wednesday and Thursday. Additionally, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued red heat health alerts for England, cautioning about severe impacts on public health due to the extreme heat.
According to the UKV weather model, temperatures could soar to 40C in the south-west of England on Wednesday, with high 30s anticipated in southern, central, and eastern regions. Thursday is projected to be even warmer, with the possibility of reaching 42C in the north-west, eastern England, South Yorkshire, and Nottinghamshire.
The weather maps indicate the potential for temperatures exceeding 40C in various parts of central and northern England, along with the south-west. In total, 24 counties are expected to hit the 40C mark.
The Met Office has cautioned about the exceptionally humid conditions accompanying this heatwave, with dew points predicted to reach around 22C, significantly higher than during the previous record-breaking heatwave in July 2022. Widespread ‘Tropical Nights’ are also expected, with overnight temperatures unlikely to fall below 20C, particularly in urban areas of southern England. Daytime highs could peak at 37C today, with the potential to reach 40C on Wednesday and Thursday.
Mark Sidaway, Deputy Chief Forecaster at the Met Office, emphasized the severity of the situation, stating that the combination of high temperatures and humidity could have significant health impacts on a broad range of individuals. This heatwave is expected to bring consecutive nights of Tropical Nights, making it challenging for people to recover from the intense daytime heat and amplifying heat stress effects.