Today, the UK is set to experience what could be the hottest day of the year, with temperatures soaring potentially as high as 35°C in some areas. This surge in heat comes courtesy of warm European air that has been building up over the country. According to the Met Office, temperatures could reach 34°C to 35°C, making today a record breaker in terms of heat for 2024.
However, this sweltering weather is not without its complications. The Met Office has issued yellow weather warnings for thunderstorms affecting northern England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. While the south will bask in the heat, the north is bracing for a stormy day. The intense heat will be accompanied by high humidity, which is expected to make the weather feel even more oppressive, especially in central and eastern England.
Forecaster Craig Snell has indicated that while London, East Anglia, and the home counties will enjoy the highest temperatures, other regions will still experience warm and humid conditions. In London, temperatures are predicted to reach 33°C, while Manchester will see a milder 26°C and Edinburgh will be cooler at around 21°C.
The thunderstorms, which are already making their presence known in parts of Shropshire with flashes of lightning and rain, are anticipated to intensify and spread throughout northern regions. By early morning, drivers in northern England and Scotland should prepare for challenging conditions, including heavy rain, hail, and strong winds that might result in hazardous driving situations and potential road closures. The yellow warnings for these areas will be in effect until early afternoon for northern England and until 7 AM for Northern Ireland.
A yellow heat health alert has also been issued across several regions, including the East and West Midlands, East of England, South East, West, North West, and London. This alert is in place until Wednesday morning and highlights that the extreme heat may impact health and social care services. The UK Health Security Agency recommends staying hydrated, keeping curtains closed during the hottest parts of the day, and avoiding strenuous activities to mitigate the heat's effects.
In terms of storm impacts, the Met Office has warned of potential sudden flooding, which could lead to difficult driving conditions and even temporary road closures. There is also a slight chance of power outages due to strong winds and localized heavy rainfall. Thunderstorms are expected to clear towards the north-east by Monday afternoon, bringing a return to more typical temperatures by midweek.
While today's hot weather may not constitute a formal heatwave—defined by exceeding a specific temperature threshold over three consecutive days—it still presents significant challenges. The UK has seen higher temperatures in the past, with the highest recorded being 40.3°C in Coningsby, Lincolnshire, on 19 July 2022. For now, it’s essential to stay informed, prepared, and cautious as the weather unfolds.
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