The UK may see record-high temperatures this week

The UK may see record-high temperatures this week
A man cools off in a fountain during the hot weather in London, Britain, July 18, 2022. REUTERS/John Sibley

We’re all painfully aware of the devastating effects of climate change and the increase in natural disasters as a consequence. Right now, China is fighting some deadly floods, and France, Spain and Portugal are fighting heat waves that have led to deaths and evacuations from wildfires.

Now, much of England could be seeing its hottest day on record this week at temperatures forecast to reach up to 41 degrees Celsius. Right now, the highest temperature ever recorded in the UK was 38.7 Celsius two years ago in Cambridge. This has led to the UK issuing the country’s first red extreme heat warning emergency from Monday through Tuesday. People are being urged to stay inside, while train companies have asked people not to use their services on Monday and Tuesday and some schools have closed during these periods.

Key comments:

“In this country we’re used to treating a hot spell as a chance to go and play in in the sun. This is not that sort of weather," said Professor Penny Endersby, Met Office chief executive.

“Rail passengers in England and Wales should only travel if absolutely necessary on Monday 18 and Tuesday 19 July. There will be delays, cancellations and last-minute changes to train services due to the unprecedented record heat on those days," wrote Network Rail.