Experts are cautioning that the United Kingdom is bracing for a period of high humidity known as a “heat dome” in the upcoming days due to an extraordinary heatwave attributed to climate change.
Daytime temperatures are forecasted to soar as high as 38C, leading to “tropical nights” that may disrupt sleep as residences struggle to cool down. There are concerns that later in the summer, temperatures could surge beyond 43C, rendering certain homes as “uninhabitable heattraps.” This situation could potentially overwhelm emergency rooms and cause disruptions in transportation and energy systems.
Dr. Akshay Deoras, a research scientist at Reading University’s National Centre for Atmospheric Science and Department of Meteorology, emphasized that this event is not just a typical heatwave but rather a pervasive heat-dome phenomenon that will envelop a large portion of southern UK, pushing temperatures into unprecedented levels.
An amber alert for extreme heat has been extended until at least the end of Thursday by the Met Office. Temperatures are expected to reach record highs in the high 30s this week, with projections of hitting 38C or 39C. Prof Liz Bentley from the Royal Meteorological Society noted that this would result in breaking temperature records for both May and June by more than 2C.
Bill McGuire, a climate hazards professor at University College London, highlighted the increased likelihood of experiencing temperatures exceeding 40C due to global warming. He warned about the implications on health, energy infrastructure, and transportation systems that are ill-prepared for such extreme conditions.
The heatwave originating from mainland Europe is set to bring temperatures as high as 44C in western France, with the main differentiator being the anticipated rise in humidity levels. Dr. Deoras elaborated on the atmospheric conditions contributing to this event, emphasizing the impact of human-induced climate change in intensifying extreme temperatures.
While more northern regions of England and Wales are under the Met Office’s amber alert for extreme heat on Wednesday and Thursday, temperatures are anticipated to surpass 30C across these areas. Dr. Chloe Brimicombe from Oxford University expressed concerns about the possibility of breaking temperature records for the second consecutive month.
Richard Allan, a climate science professor at Reading University, highlighted the unprecedented nature of the approaching heatwave, emphasizing the challenges it poses for individuals with underlying health issues. He underscored the importance of addressing greenhouse gas emissions across all sectors to mitigate the impacts of climate change.