UK Faces Hottest Day of the Year Amidst Sweltering Heatwave: Is Climate Change Responsible?
England is currently in the grip of a scorching heatwave, with temperatures set to soar to their highest this year. The mercury is expected to reach 32 degrees Celsius in the southern regions, and the heatwave is anticipated to persist throughout the weekend. This soaring heat has prompted an Amber heat health alert, urging the public to stay hydrated and look out for vulnerable individuals and pets. The alert, issued by the UK Health Security Agency, will be in effect from 2 pm on Monday until 9 pm on 10th September.
The Met Office has also reported that there is a possibility of surpassing this year’s previous highest temperature of 32.2°C, recorded on 10th June, especially in the southeast, where temperatures could reach 33°C.
Why is the UK Experiencing a Heatwave?
To classify a location as experiencing a ‘heatwave,’ it must meet the daily maximum temperature threshold for three consecutive days. This threshold varies between 25°C and 28°C, depending on the location within the UK. Recent reports indicate that West Yorkshire, Cornwall, Devon, and Wales met these criteria on Tuesday. Even though Northern England and Scotland experienced slightly cooler temperatures, they were still high by regional standards. The scorching weather is expected to ease on Sunday and Monday, with the possibility of thundery conditions in some areas.
According to Steven Keates, Deputy Chief Meteorologist at the Met Office, a cold front approaching from the northwest towards the weekend will influence weather patterns, although southern regions will likely remain warm or hot. There’s also a potential for thunderstorms and impactful downpours in western areas from Friday onwards.
Climate Change and the Unusual September Heatwave
The current heatwave is exceptional for the UK, particularly in September, with Wednesday being the hottest September day since 2016. The question arises: is climate change responsible for this?
The Met Office attributes this particular hot spell to tropical storms that have pushed high-pressure systems over the UK. The North Atlantic’s tropical cyclone season has shifted the jet stream, a core of strong winds, to the north of the UK. When atmospheric pressure increases, the air sinks and compresses, resulting in an increase in temperature as it descends. On average, for every 100 meters of descent, air temperature rises by 1°C.
However, it’s important to note that global warming is also playing a significant role in intensifying and increasing the frequency of heatwaves. Over the past decade, the UK has experienced an average temperature that is 0.8°C warmer than the 1961-1990 average. Remarkably, all of the UK’s ten warmest years on record have occurred since 2002. In July 2022, the UK witnessed temperatures exceeding 40°C for the first time in recorded history.
The trend suggests that such extreme heat is likely to become more common. According to the Met Office’s predictions, by 2070, summers in the UK could be 1 to 6°C warmer and up to 60% drier compared to historical averages.
In conclusion, as the UK swelters through this unexpected September heatwave, it’s evident that both natural weather patterns, like tropical storms, and the long-term effects of climate change are contributing to these extreme temperatures. With global warming continuing to exert its influence, these heatwaves may become a regular occurrence, necessitating ongoing efforts to adapt and mitigate their impacts on society and the environment.
