London is having a heatwave this week, with temperatures reaching 32 degrees celsius in some parts.
Summer has finally arrived, as London has seen forecasts go into low 30s today and set to continue into the weekend.
According to the Met Office, heatwave conditions are met when an area experiences three-consecutive days of temperatures exceeding the heatwave threshold.
That heatwave threshold temperature varies county by county, but in London is 28 degrees.
Deputy chief meteorologist Tony Wisson told the Met Office: “Over the next few days, settled weather and warm sunshine will allow temperatures to rise day on day.
“We could very well see several places exceeding 30 degrees celsius, which will be the highest temperature of the year so far.”
The UK is not shy to its fair share of heatwaves, as although the country is mostly faced with gloomy grey skies, there has been a history of high temperatures that have been gradually increasing year on year.
In July 2022, the UK experienced the hottest temperature on record, with highs of 40 degrees celcius.
These high temperatures are rare, but the average temperature of the UK in the last 30 years do show the UK is getting hotter which experts argue could be an indicator of climate change.
But for some, it’s not all sunshine and trips to the park, as the high temperatures could have a negative effect on their health.
Trusha, 57, whose chemotherapy has left her sensitive to the heat, is doing what she can to keep cool this summer.
She said: “This heat can be very overwhelming for me. I have a fan in my bedroom and I leave the curtains closed during the day.”
For those vulnerable people who are badly affected by the hot weather, the Met Office offers advice such as to drink plenty of fluids, close curtains that face the sun and not exercise between the warmest hours of 1pm and 3pm.
Trusha said: “I will go outside but I’ll stay in the shade, make sure I stay hydrated and perhaps have a hand held fan with me.”
For more information and advice, click the link: https://weather.metoffice.gov.uk/warnings-and-advice/seasonal-advice/stay-safe-in-extreme-heat
Feature image courtesy of Robert Bye on Unsplash
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