UK temperatures drop after record heatwave
Temperatures across the UK have finally cooled after one of the longest heatwaves on record earlier this month. This was the third heatwave of the year, following record-breaking hot spells in May and June. Southern England, typically the hottest region, is expected to see highs of 28°C this week, offering some relief.
Will temperatures rise again?
According to the Met Office's long-range forecast, temperatures are expected to be 'near or above normal' between July 25 and August 3. Towards early August, parts of the UK could see warmer conditions. Further into August, temperatures are 'very likely [to] remain above normal, with potential for further hot spells, particularly in the south'. However, whether this will constitute a heatwave remains unclear.
The Met Office told Metro that while there is no current forecast for another widespread heatwave, there is 'certainly still time' for this to change before summer ends. Heatwaves commonly occur when high pressure develops across an area. The Met Office says this is 'considered generally more likely than lower pressure through August' this year, though this does not guarantee a heatwave.
What defines a heatwave?
According to the Met Office, a heatwave is 'an extended period of hot weather relative to the expected conditions of the area at that time of year'. For these conditions to be met, an area must see 'daily maximum temperatures meeting or exceeding the heatwave temperature threshold' for three consecutive days. The threshold varies by region: in London and some surrounding counties it is 28°C, while in Scotland, northern England, Northern Ireland and Wales it is 25°C. These thresholds were calculated using the 1991-2020 climatology of daily maximum temperature at the midpoint of meteorological summer (July 15).
Why so many heatwaves this year?
Experts agree climate change is making heatwaves more frequent and severe. This year's record-breaking heatwaves have already caused significant harm. In England and Wales alone, some 2,700 excess deaths were recorded from the May and June heatwaves, with thousands more across Europe. Meteorologist Jim NR Dale from the British Weather Services told Metro: 'We live in extraordinarily self-inflicted and dangerous times, with much more to come.'
