Climate change is affecting maximum temperatures in the UK
The UK recently experienced its third heatwave so far this year(Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)
Large parts of the UK have experienced heatwave conditions over the past week. Many people will be pleased to have some milder weather this weekend, although some will be wondering when the scorching temperatures could make a return this summer.
Millions of parents across the UK have been patiently waiting for schools to break up for the six-week summer break. From weekend staycations to several days out, families will be planning to make the most of their time off together.
However, a lot of the plans can be weather-dependent. Temperatures have now cooled down to the early 20s, compared to last weekend which reached a high of 34C in Liverpool.
It won’t be too long when heatwave conditions could appear once again, as researchers from Imperial College London, the Met Office and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine have looked into the impact of climate change, causing more “intense” heat across England and Wales.
The national record for May was broken when 35.1C was recorded in West London, and three consecutive days of record-breaking June temperatures culminated with heat in excess of 37C in East Anglia.
According to the Met Office, daytime maximum temperatures across England and Wales are now roughly 3-4C hotter than they would have been without human-induced climate change, raising the health risks associated with these heatwaves.
Without this extra warming, temperatures at this high level would have been less likely to occur.
Dr. Mark McCarthy, manager of climate attribution at the Met Office said: “2026 has been exceptional for the two early season heatwaves in May and June. These have smashed records that had stood from May 1944 and June 1976 respectively. For the time of year these events were extreme, even in our warmer climate.
“However, it is clear that human-caused climate change is leading to more frequent and more intense summer heatwaves. This intensification is driving many impacts, including those affecting human health and mortality and other issues, such as agriculture, effects on transport infrastructure and biodiversity.”
Will there be another heatwave?
While there isn’t a heatwave forecast in the short-term outlook, according to Met Office statistics, it is more likely the UK will have “intense” heat throughout this summer due to climate change.
It will be a milder week this week, with the possibility for temperatures to climb higher later in the summer.
In its long range forecast for the north west, the Met Office said: “Remaining predominantly dry for most parts of the country as high pressure is likely to remain close to the UK for much of this period.
“However, with the source region of the air being from the North Atlantic, it will be somewhat less hot compared to many recent days. Any showers during the start of the period are more likely across the far north.
“Towards the latter part of July, the influence of high pressure may wane somewhat, allowing a greater chance of rain, showers or thunderstorms compared to earlier in the month. Overall, temperatures are expected to remain above average during this period.”
Looking ahead to August, the forecaster said: “Perhaps a somewhat more changeable period, with the potential for showers or thunderstorms or even some longer spells of rain at times.
“Drier and brighter interludes are also likely, perhaps more likely across the south and southeast. Temperatures are likely to be above normal with some hot spells possible.”
