This week, the United Kingdom could experience its hottest day on record, with temperatures predicted to reach 41C. (106F).
On Monday and Tuesday, the Met Office issued a red extreme heat warning for parts of England, from London and the southeast to York and Manchester.
In 2019, the highest temperature in the United Kingdom is 38.7°C in Cambridge.
Across the United Kingdom, high temperatures are predicted, with amber warnings issued for the remainder of England, the entirety of Wales, and portions of Scotland.
On Monday, London will be one of the world’s hottest cities, with temperatures surpassing those of Western Sahara and the Caribbean.
The capital is expected to be warmer than Dakhla, Western Sahara (24C), Nassau, Bahamas (32C), Kingston, Jamaica (33C), Malaga, Spain (28C), and Athens, Greece (35C).
On Tuesday, nocturnal temperatures are expected to reach the mid-twenties, and the heat will persist until Wednesday.
The Met Office has issued a red warning for the first time since the system was implemented a year ago.
It implies that “extensive consequences on people and infrastructure” are anticipated, along with “significant changes in working practices and everyday routines.”
Some schools intend to close early or not open at all, despite government directives urging them to remain open.
Network Rail advised passengers to travel only “if necessary” on Monday and Tuesday, as certain cancellations and speed limits had been issued and implemented.
On Tuesday, LNER will suspend service between London and Leeds, and York for most of the day.
Network Rail’s Jake Kelly stated that efforts are being taken to alleviate the effects of the excessive heat, but that the heat would place the train infrastructure under “extraordinary stress.”
In addition to the red and amber warnings issued by the Met Office, the UK Health Security Agency has issued a level four warning for England, which is being treated as a “national emergency” by the government.
After a ministerial emergency Cobra meeting on Saturday, Health Secretary Steve Barclay announced an increase in ambulance capacity and call handlers.
In response to rising temperatures, the London Ambulance Service reported receiving 7,000 calls per day and anticipated up to 8,000 calls on Monday and Tuesday. It was mentioned that on a typical day in the capital, there are approximately 5,500 calls.
Sunday was the hottest day of the year so far, with temperatures reaching 33 degrees Celsius in Flintshire, 32 degrees Celsius in Cheshire, 27.7 degrees Celsius in Armagh, Northern Ireland, and 26.4 degrees Celsius in Auchincruive, Ayrshire.
Beaches across the nation were crowded, and individuals have been urged to exercise caution if they choose to cool themselves in the sea.
On Saturday evening, a 16-year-old boy drowned while swimming in Salford Quays, while the body of a guy who went missing after entering a reservoir in West Yorkshire has been discovered.
Water suppliers in the south and east of England have warned that growing demand is causing low pressure and even supply interruptions for certain customers.
Experts have recommended individuals drink water, keep their drapes closed as much as possible, and check on loved ones.
Prof. Penny Endersby, chief executive of the Met Office, remarked, “In this country, we’re accustomed to viewing a heat wave as an opportunity to frolic in the sun.” “It’s not that kind of weather today.”
The Chester Zoo has announced that it will be closed during the heatwave to protect its animals, visitors, employees, and flora.
As a result of human-induced climate change, heat waves have become more common, intense, and long-lasting.
Since the beginning of the industrial age, the world has already warmed by approximately 1.1C, and temperatures will continue to rise unless governments worldwide implement drastic emission reductions.
Wildfires are blazing from Greece to Morocco, and hundreds have been evacuated from blazes in France and Spain as a result of the soaring temperatures.
In Portugal and Spain, the heat has caused over a thousand deaths in recent days.
