Home / Weather / UK Braces for 36C Heatwave: Drought Fears Grow
UK Braces for 36C Heatwave: Drought Fears Grow
10 Aug
Summary
- Temperatures may exceed 36C, risking railway and power disruptions.
- Half of England and all of Wales are currently experiencing drought.
- This marks the fifth heatwave, with potential for extreme weather warnings.
Temperatures in the UK are forecast to climb again from Tuesday, potentially reaching 36C or higher later in the week. This significant heat could impact critical infrastructure, including railway lines and power networks. The Met Office is considering issuing amber or red extreme heat warnings, similar to those issued in June.
The country is experiencing an unprecedented period of dry, hot weather, with this heatwave being the fifth of the summer. Half of England and all of Wales are currently experiencing drought conditions, with more regions potentially being declared dry soon. Health officials have issued yellow heat health alerts across several regions.
This extreme weather follows a summer of records. Sunday marked the 34th day this year temperatures exceeded 30C somewhere in the UK, equaling a 1995 record. Previous heatwaves in May, June, and July have led to excess deaths and contributed to the driest July in England and Wales since records began in 1836.
