The summer arrived with a bang, bringing a searing heatwave and tropical nights across the United Kingdom. However, many residents are now desperately seeking cooler weather after enduring sleepless nights and sweaty commutes. The record for the hottest temperature was broken in England and Wales, with Kew Gardens in London reaching 35.1°C yesterday.
UK Weather Forecast
Today is sunny and warm again across most of the UK, although some showers could form in the south, the Met Office said. An amber heat alert remains in place in the South West, while the rest of England is under a yellow alert due to hot weather until tomorrow afternoon, which could put vulnerable and elderly people at risk, the UKHSA warned.
The brunt of the heatwave is set to last for most until tomorrow, with possible thunderstorms spelling stifling weather. Temperatures in London could peak at over 32°C tomorrow before a slight drop in temperatures in large parts of the country on Friday and heading into the weekend.
Health Warnings and Precautions
An amber heat health warning is in place in London until Thursday 28 May. The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, urged residents to keep cool and stay hydrated, and to check in on anyone who may find it difficult to manage in the heat. UV levels are expected to remain high for the coming days, especially during the midday hours, with people advised to cover up and wear sunscreen. Meanwhile, pollen levels are set to be high in London and the South East until Sunday, dominated by grass and weed pollen.
Travel Disruption Today
Some trains could continue to face disruption as the hot weather can impact infrastructure, like overhead lines and even cause rails to buckle. At London Euston, trains are disrupted until the end of the day after a points failure is blocking some lines. Avanti West Coast, London Northwestern Railway, and Southern services are impacted until the end of the day, National Rail warned. Fewer Overground trains will run between Stratford and Richmond and Clapham Junction for the rest of the day because of a shortage of train crew.
How to Stay Cool in Hot Weather
If you have to travel on the Tube, train, or by road this week, have plenty of water at hand and dress in cool, loose-fitting clothing if possible. Reaching for a sip of water in any weather is not a bad idea, but doctors have recommended one surprising everyday drink in a heatwave. On the Tube, your best hope is an Underground line with air conditioning. Metro has a handy guide for heatwave survival 101 shopping essentials, from best handheld fans to cooling pillows.
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