London is set to experience record-breaking temperatures this week, with the mercury potentially reaching 39C in what scientists describe as a 'heat-dome driven furnace'. The Met Office has extended an amber alert for extreme heat until at least the end of Thursday.
Record-breaking heat expected
Dr Akshay Deoras, senior research scientist at the National Centre for Atmospheric Science and Department of Meteorology, University of Reading, warned: 'This is not just a heatwave, it is a heat-dome driven furnace that will grip most of southern UK and push temperatures into truly exceptional territory.' He added that elevated humidity levels would make conditions feel even more oppressive and dangerous by reducing the body's ability to cool itself through sweating.
The coming days are set to be hotter than the UK's previous hottest May day of 35.1C recorded in Kew Gardens last month. The record for June of 35.6C is also expected to be broken.
Temperature forecast for London
Monday is forecast to reach 29C, before temperatures soar to close to 40C. Tuesday is predicted to hit 37C, with tropical nights making sleeping difficult. Wednesday is expected to peak at 39C, followed by 38C on Thursday. The heatwave is defined in London as temperatures of 28C or above for three consecutive days.
Weather expert Colin McCarthy commented: 'One of the worst heatwaves in European history is underway.'
Amber alert and health impacts
The amber alert, initially issued for Monday and Tuesday, has been extended until at least the end of Thursday. Greg Wolverson, deputy chief forecaster at the Met Office, said: 'While heatwave criteria will be met for some in the south and south-east of England over the weekend, with temperatures into the low 30s possible, the warmth will expand and intensify at the start of next week. Tropical nights – where the temperature doesn't drop below 20C – are also likely for some.'
Dr Deoras warned of widespread impacts on public health, infrastructure and essential services. He noted that long-standing June temperature records are set to be shattered by 25 June, potentially by a significant margin, with temperatures edging dangerously close to levels previously thought almost unimaginable in the UK.
Cooler end to the week
Temperatures are expected to cool off slightly towards the end of the week, with 29C forecast for Friday and 27C for Saturday.
