Record breaking weather
Silvia Fine/Otto and Wilhelm Von Grotziner reporters
Forecasters at the Met Office are predicting the highest July temperatures ever recorded this week, with a 30% probability on Wednesday of breaking the all-time UK temperature record.
The highest temperature ever recorded in the UK was 38.5 deg C at Faversham in Kent on the 10 August 2003. This week, temperatures of 37 deg C are expected, however it is possible that the all-time record could be broken as one or two locations in the Home Counties of southeast England reach highs of 39 deg C (102 deg F).
UK Record temperatures
Region July record All-time record
England 36.0 deg C Epsom 38.5 deg C Faversham 10/08/2003
22/7/1911
Wales 33.6 deg C Usk 3/7/1976 35.2 deg C Hawarden Bridge
2/8/1990
Scotland 32.8 deg C Dumfries 32.9 deg C Greycrook 9/8/2003
2/7/1908
Northern 30.8 deg C Belfast 30.8 deg C Knockarevan
Ireland 12/7/1983 30/6/1976 and Belfast 12/71983
The predicted regional maximum temperatures this week are:
England
Southeast: 37 deg C
Southwest: 36 deg C
Midlands: 36 deg C
Northwest: 35 deg C
Northeast: 33 deg C
East Anglia: 37 deg C
Wales: 34 deg C
Scotland: 31 deg C
Northern Ireland: 30 deg C
The reason for the heatwave is a prolonged period of very settled weather, with cloudless skies and strong sunshine which has allowed temperatures to rise. Over coming days even hotter air will move across from continental Europe causing the temperature to rise even further.
Climate change The question is often asked is whether global warming is a factor?
Research conducted at the Met Office, shows that there is a significant
human contribution to these heatwaves because of CO2 emissions over recent decades. This is a sign of things to come, with the current temperatures becoming a normal event by the middle of this century.
The outlook is for less hot weather to move across the country by the end of the week, although temperatures are expected to remain above average for the rest of the month.
For the latest forecast see www.metoffice.gov.uk NHS Direct and the Dept. of Health websites offer useful guidance on what to do in hot weather
