A leading forecaster has warned that temperatures could 'feel like 50C' in parts of the UK as the heatwave intensifies. The UK experienced its warmest June day on record on Wednesday, with the mercury reaching 36.1C in Gosport, Hampshire, breaking a 50-year-old weather record.
Red Health Warning Issued
A red health warning for extreme heat, meaning 'a risk to life for even the healthy population,' is set to continue into Thursday, covering much of southern England and Wales. Rail bosses have warned of further disruption following a day of delays and cancellations caused by the hot weather.
Heat Dome Shifts Toward UK
The heatwave is driven by a trapped, high-pressure hot air mass that has seen temperatures top 44C in France, now shifting over the Channel towards the British Isles. The new eye of this 'heat dome' is centred in southwest England.
British Weather Services' senior meteorologist Jim Dale told the Mirror: 'It could well be worse on Thursday - we're in the middle of the Sizzler from the South. We've got the heat dome in position now, and as the south west front starts to move into the cooler air, you start to drag in more hot air from France and Spain - and eventually North Africa - so all of that starts to add to the hot weather pie.'
Humidity Makes It Feel Hotter
Dale emphasised the role of humidity: 'This is the important bit; the humidity. The heat index, which is a combination of temperature and humidity, could well be 10C more than the actual air temperature. So when we say 40C, if it ever reaches that, it will feel like 50C, and that's why there's going to be a problem.' He described the weather as 'Marmite weather; you either love it and enjoy it, or you suffer... and the sufferers are going to feel it big time.'
Tips to Stay Cool
Dale also shared tips for staying cool during the record-breaking hot spell:
- Freeze your pyjamas: Put your pyjamas or nightdress in the freezer and wear them at night for quick relief.
- Make your hot water bottle icy: Fill a hot water bottle with icy water to keep cool.
- Cool your extremities: Dip your fingers and toes in a bowl of icy water for five minutes to lower core body temperature. This is especially effective for babies and children.
- Stick to the basics: Keep fans running, stay out of the sun, and stay hydrated.
