Record-breaking warm start to May in the UK, questions linger about the prolongation of the heatwave
It's a scorcher in Blighty! The UK is breaking records left and right, with the temps soaring to a jaw-dropping 29.3°C at Kew Gardens in southwest London. That eclipses the previous May 1st record of 27.4°C set back in 1990 at Lossiemouth. The heatwave doesn't end there, as Thursday beat the previous high of 26.7°C reached in Surrey the day before. But don't get too comfortable, as the weather's set to cool off starting Friday, with temperatures dropping to a brisk 14-18°C across the UK.
The hot spell is all thanks to the jet stream staying put north of the country, allowing high pressure to take control. April was sunnier than a beachday in Spain, with 47% more sunshine hours than the average, and the third warmest April on record, according to Met Office figures. Rainfall was also below average for most of the UK in April, with only 56% of expected precipitation being recorded. But don't worry, the warmth means a heightened risk of grass and wildfires.
Scientists aren't fooled by the weather—they see the fingerprints of climate change all over it. Maps show that, in many areas of the country, the high temperatures are four or even five times more likely due to human-induced climate change. The warm and dry weather this spring has also led to an increase in wildfires. So, while it's great to soak up the sun, remember the risks it brings.
If you're planning on cooling off by hitting the lake, think again. A tragic incident occurred in Nottingham recently, where a 16-year-old boy's body was recovered from a lake. This unfortunate event serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers that lurk beneath the surface. The London Fire Brigade responded to 565 water-related incidents last year alone. It's important to heed the warnings—even when the sun is shining, water temperatures can be dangerously cold, leading to cold water shock and, in the worst cases, drowning.
Stay tuned for updates on the weather, wildfires, and water safety. In the meantime, stay safe, stay cool, and don't forget to slather on the sunscreen.
[1] Climate Central[2] Met Office[3] Royal Meteorological Society[4] National Geographic[5] EPA
- The soaring temperatures in the UK this May have broken previous records, and scientists confirm that human-induced climate change is four or five times more likely to cause these high temperatures.
- Nottinghamshire saw a tragic incident involving a young boy who drowned in a lake, serving as a reminder of the cold water shock danger even during warm and sunny weather.
- The hot and dry weather this spring has increased the risk of wildfires, with the wildfire risk being a consequence of the heightened temperatures caused by climate change.
- The Met Office reported that April 2023 was exceptionally sunny and the third warmest April on record, with more sunshine hours than a beach day in Spain.
- The London Fire Brigade responded to 565 water-related incidents last year, highlighting the potential danger lurking beneath the surface.
- It's important to take precautions against wildfires and water-related accidents as the weather keeps breaking records and the risks continue to rise due to climate-change and its effects on the environment.
