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UK Summer Heat: Heatwaves Loom
3 Jun
Summary
- Warmer-than-average summer with increased heatwave potential is forecast.
- May saw record-breaking temperatures, with 35.1C in Kew Gardens.
- Hottest summer is now twice as likely due to climate change.
Meteorological summer commenced on June 1st with forecasts suggesting a warmer-than-average season for the UK. The Met Office's three-month outlook indicates an increased probability of heatwaves and heat-related impacts through August. This prediction follows a recent late spring heatwave that established a new all-time May temperature record of 35.1C in Kew Gardens, London. Yellow and amber heat health alerts were also issued for the first time this year. Long-range forecasts from the Met Office and MeteoGroup concur, anticipating "above-average temperatures" for June, July, and August. "Significant bursts" of heat are expected across the UK and Europe, with "a few notable high temperature spikes" possible. The Met Office attributes the increased likelihood of a hotter summer, now twice as probable compared to the 1991-2020 average, to the ongoing warming climate.
