The third heatwave of the year has brought temperatures as high as 34C to London, and the sizzling weather is expected to stretch for days to come. An amber heat-health alert for the capital is in effect until Sunday, according to the UK Health Security Agency and the Met Office.
Record-breaking temperatures
This heatwave follows record-breaking temperatures at the end of June, with heat and humidity disrupting public services as Londoners sweltered and flocked to lidos across the city. Temperatures reached 37.7C in Norfolk on June 26, making it the hottest June day on record. An unprecedented heatwave in late May saw temperatures reach 35.1C in Kew Gardens, the highest temperature for that month ever recorded in the UK.
Forecast for the next few days
According to the Met Office’s latest forecast, as of 10am on Wednesday, daily peak temperatures will stay above the 28C threshold for an official heatwave through until the start of next week. After that, temperatures are predicted to drop slightly, with 27C forecast for Monday and Tuesday. If this pans out, London will have basked in an eight-day heatwave.
Could the heatwave last even longer?
BBC Weather’s Chris Fawkes, speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today on Wednesday, said current forecasts mean the heatwave is likely to be “incredibly long-lived” in parts of the UK. He added: “Somewhere in the UK is likely to reach 30C not just through the rest of this week, through the weekend but through the whole of next week as well.” It would only take a small upward tick in forecasted temperatures for that prediction to apply to London.
Impact on Londoners
The heatwave has seen Londoners flock to outdoor pools and river taxis to cool down. The amber heat-health alert warns of potential health impacts for vulnerable groups, including the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions. The Met Office advises people to stay hydrated, avoid the sun during peak hours, and check on vulnerable friends and relatives.
