The hottest September day since 2016 as London suffers a 32C heatwave
The UK experienced its hottest September day in seven years as temperatures reached up to 32C in the capital, the Met Office said.
Meteorologists said the country hit its warmest day of the month since 2016 on Wednesday, with the highest recorded in Kew Gardens, west London.
The heatwave is expected to continue into the weekend and is expected to peak in London on Saturday. Temperatures of at least 30°C are forecast for Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
It hasn’t been this hot since June, and although it’s unusual to see temperatures above 30°C in September, it’s not unheard of.
Economists said September’s heat would help boost spending after a wet summer that depressed high street sales.
The hottest September day on record was in 1906, when a temperature of 35.6°C was recorded in South Yorkshire.
Climate change is bringing hotter and longer heatwaves. Meteorologists predict that temperatures of 30C on two or more days will become more likely by 2070, with this occurring 16 times more often in southern parts of the UK than today.
US-based researchers Climate Central have calculated that this month’s late heat wave is five times more likely due to climate change.
Britain’s public health agency has issued a yellow warning as the heat continues until 9pm on Sunday. This means there is an additional strain on healthcare services due to the weather and there is a greater risk for those over 65 or with respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
There is also the possibility of tropical nights in the southern parts of the UK if the temperature does not fall below 20°C overnight.
Councilor David Fothergill, chair of the Local Government Association’s Community Wellbeing Board, has warned people to be careful in the heat, particularly older people, people with children and those who spend a lot of time outside.
He said: “No one is immune to the power of the sun and we know there is growing evidence that extreme heat has damaging effects on our health.”
“It may sound like common sense, but drinking plenty of water, keeping our homes cool, avoiding direct sunlight during the hottest hours of the day and using sunscreen are sensible precautions we all need to take.”
He also said there may be some changes to municipal services, such as: B. earlier garbage collection and additional support for those receiving adult social care.
Around half of municipalities have also prepared to rehabilitate roads to prevent them from melting, Mr Fothergill added.
https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/london-weather-heatwave-hottest-day-september-met-office-b1105356.html The hottest September day since 2016 as London suffers a 32C heatwave
