Britain is set to be hotter than the Sahara as a 600 mile-wide 'heat dome' brings a 39°C (102°F) meltdown this week, threatening to smash the June temperature record and approach the UK's hottest day ever recorded. HR experts warn that the extreme heat will make it 'too hot to work,' potentially costing the economy £1.5 billion due to a 10% slump in staff productivity.
Record-Breaking Temperatures Expected
The Met Office forecasts 34°C on Monday, 38°C on Tuesday, 39°C on Wednesday, 38°C on Thursday, and 33°C on Friday, with the highest temperatures expected at London Heathrow. The highs are set to surpass the UK's June temperature record of 35.6°C, set in 1976 in Southampton. If temperatures exceed 38.7°C, it would become Britain's second-hottest day ever recorded, behind the record 40.3°C (104.5°F) on July 19, 2022, at Coningsby, Lincolnshire.
Even northern parts of the UK are expected to reach 32°C. This comes after the record 35°C hottest spring temperatures ever recorded in May. Netweather forecaster Nick Finnis said: 'Insane temperatures are forecast this week.'
Extreme Heat Warnings and Impact on Work
Met Office forecaster Marco Petagna commented: 'We really are looking at an incredible period of hot weather. You might want to take a seat before looking at maximum temperatures this week. Extreme heat warnings are in force for what could be an historic week of weather.'
The Met Office has issued an amber extreme heat alert, warning that 'a change in working practices is required.' Analysis shows that staff productivity will slump by 10% this week due to the heat. The Grantham Research Institute at the London School of Economics noted: 'We usually see productivity drops around eight per cent when temperatures go above 30°C. Heatwaves hit some industries hard.'
Economic Cost of the Heatwave
Based on Office of National Statistics figures, an 8% drop in productivity over five working days would cost the economy £1.5 billion, based on daily economy productivity of £5 billion from an eight-hour working day. Kate Palmer, HR director at consultancy Peninsula, said: 'High temperatures can cause a slump in productivity, so employers should think of ways to make the heat more manageable. It may help to relax dress codes.'
Roads are expected to melt and rail lines may warp under the extreme conditions. Isolated thundery downpours are possible from Monday. The heatwave marks an historic week of weather for the UK, with experts urging precautions to mitigate health and economic impacts.
