The United Kingdom is set to experience its third heatwave of the year this week, though forecasters at the Met Office have confirmed that temperatures will not reach record-breaking levels. Parts of southern England are expected to see highs of around 32 degrees Celsius on Monday and Tuesday, climbing to 33C on Wednesday and 34C on Thursday. Isolated areas could reach 35C on Friday and Saturday, according to the forecaster.
No Threat to Records
Despite the warm spell, the temperatures will not challenge the UK's highest recorded temperature of 40.3C, set in Coningsby, Lincolnshire, in July 2022. The Met Office's deputy chief forecaster, Steven Keates, stated: "Parts of the UK are entering heatwave conditions: the third heatwave in the UK so far this year. However, unlike the May and June heatwaves, we are not expecting this heatwave to be record-breaking."
Tropical Nights and Warnings
The Met Office has also warned that later this week, parts of England could experience "tropical nights," where temperatures do not fall below 20C. Mainland Europe is facing similar heat, with Spain, Portugal, and southern France all forecasting high temperatures.
National Rail Enquiries has urged train passengers to check for updates due to the forecast heatwave, as heat-related problems such as buckled rails, sagging overhead wires, and lineside fires can affect the railway. Steel rails can exceed 50C when air temperatures reach 30C. Speed restrictions may be introduced in some areas to minimize risk.
Advice for Drivers
Vehicle breakdown rescue companies are expected to be busier than usual due to the high temperatures. Drivers are advised to carry plenty of water and perform essential vehicle checks before setting off, particularly tyre pressures and coolant and oil levels.
Tony Rich, a spokesman for the AA on road safety, said: "With temperatures expected to climb into the low 30s across parts of England over the coming days, drivers should take the heat as seriously as they would ice or heavy rain. A few simple checks before setting off can make all the difference. Make sure your tyres are correctly inflated, check your coolant level and carry plenty of drinking water for everyone in the vehicle, including pets. If you're planning a longer journey, build in regular breaks and try to avoid the hottest part of the day where possible. Should you break down, get yourself and your passengers to a place of safety, ideally behind the safety barrier if there is one, and keep hydrated while waiting for assistance."
