Heat wave: Why is the UK heating up?

After several days of hot weather, parts of the UK have seen some hottest days of the year up to date. Temperatures in southeast England reached 32.7 degrees Celsius on Friday, causing a heat wave across most of the country. Experts say it’s rare to see such high temperatures at this point in June.

In the past three decades, the temperature of the United Kingdom has increased by 0.9°C. The Hottest 10 years since 1884 They’ve all happened since 2002, and none of the coldest years of this century have been recorded. last 2019, Cambridge experienced the highest temperature ever recorded in the UK: 38.7°C. summer 2018 was the second warmest United Kingdom with 1995, since 1884.

When does a heat wave occur?

A heat wave is a period of hot weather higher temperatures Than to expect at that time of year.

in the UK , Met Office A heat wave is announced when there have been at least three consecutive days with temperatures exceeding a certain temperature. Heat waves usually occur in summer, when high pressures develop over an area.

Why do such sharp temperature changes occur?

Climate change causes a global temperature rise. Greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, trap heat from the sun, causing the planet to warm. This has resulted in more extreme weather, including record high temperatures around the world.

Seasons of extreme heat occur during normal climatic periods. But scientists say global heat is becoming more frequent, intense and lasting longer.

The Met Office Warn that summers like 2018 are 30 times more likely now than they were before the Industrial Revolution. This era was the time when humans began to produce Emissions responsible for climate change. Experts predict that the trend in which temperatures are increasing every year will continue. By 2100, the UK may have 40°C a day every 3-4 years.

Heat is dangerous to health

Heat can be dangerousEspecially for the most vulnerable, such as the elderly, children and people with health problems. Spending a lot of time exposed to high temperatures can cause health problems such as sun wave heart failure. There are also indirect effects, such as deteriorating mental health and an increase in accidents, such as traffic accidents and drowning.

In August 2003, 20,000 people died after a 10-day heat wave in Europe, according to the Met Office. As mentioned BBC NewsThe highest mortality rate begins to appear as soon as the thermometer exceeds 25 ° C – 26 ° C.

Tips to keep cool in hot weather

As much as possible, we should modify our routine to adapt to the heat. Experts offer suggestions that we can implement to avoid fears.

• If you can, leave the house in the morning or at night, when temperatures are cooler.
• Use a high-factor sunscreen.
• Drink plenty of water and eat foods with a high water content.
• Wear loose-fitting clothing made of breathable fabrics and a hat or hat if you’re going out in the sun.
• Minimize physical exercise and stay in the shade as much as possible.
• Use fans, ice, and cold showers to reduce body temperature.