The UK recorded its highest ever May temperature of 33.5°C (92.3°F) at London’s Heathrow on Monday lunchtime, according to provisional data from the Met Office. This surpasses the previous record set in Camden Square in 1922 and reached again in Tunbridge Wells and Regent’s Park in 1944.
Key Takeaways
The UK recorded its highest ever May temperature of 33.5C at London’s Heathrow on Monday lunchtime, surpassing the previous record set in 1922. Temperatures are expected to reach up to 35C by Tuesday, with amber and yellow heat health alerts issued across various parts of the UK. The extreme heat is linked to climate change, increasing risks to life and property.
- UK records highest May temperature at Heathrow: 33.5C
- Temperatures expected to reach up to 35C by Tuesday
- Amber and yellow heat health alerts issued across the UK
- Extreme heat linked to climate change, increasing mortality rates
- Met Office forecasts persistent high temperatures through the week
The intense heat is expected to persist through the week, with temperatures predicted to peak at 35°C (95°F) on Tuesday. The Met Office forecasts highs of 31°C (87.8°F) for Wednesday and 30°C (86°F) on Thursday. Overnight temperatures also broke records, with Kenley airfield recording a low of 19.4°C (66.9°F), the highest minimum temperature for May.
In response to the extreme heat, amber and yellow heat health alerts have been issued across various parts of the UK. These alerts indicate potential risks to life, particularly for vulnerable individuals, as well as possible damage to properties, significant travel delays, and power cuts.
The Guardian reported that Météo-France warned about periods of exceptional heat becoming more frequent and intense due to global heating. The Met Office also noted that breaking temperature records is now around three times more likely in the current climate compared to pre-Industrial Revolution conditions.
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