The temperatures in some parts of the UK are expected to reach a scorching 35C today, marking it as the hottest day of the year so far. The warm European air has caused temperatures to soar throughout the country, with the Met Office predicting highs of 34C to 35C in certain areas. According to Met Office forecaster Craig Snell, the weather is accompanied by a high level of humidity, making it quite uncomfortable especially in central eastern England. While other regions will also experience warm and humid conditions, central eastern England is set to bear the brunt of the heat wave.
Despite the sweltering temperatures, the Met Office has issued two yellow weather warnings for thunderstorms in parts of northern England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. The regions of London, East Anglia, and the home counties are expected to experience the warmest weather, with highs of 33C in London, 26C in Manchester, and 21C in Edinburgh. The previous record for the hottest day of 2024 was on 19 July when temperatures reached 31.9C in central London.
A yellow heat health alert has been put in place for several regions including the East and West Midlands, East of England, South East, West, North West, and London until Wednesday morning. The alert indicates that the hot weather may have a minor impact on health and social care. The Met Office has advised people to keep curtains closed during the hottest part of the day and stay hydrated to prevent heat-related illnesses.
While some parts of the UK are basking in the heat, others are facing the threat of thunderstorms. Drivers have been cautioned about spray on the roads and potential road closures during the early morning rush hour due to heavy rain, lightning, hail, and strong winds. The warnings across northern England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland are in place until Monday morning. Met Office forecaster Craig Snell has warned that the thunderstorms moving across the UK could be particularly severe in certain areas.
As the week progresses, temperatures are expected to cool down by Tuesday and Wednesday. While the current hot spell is not officially considered a heatwave by the Met Office, it serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of the UK weather. The highest temperature ever recorded in the UK stands at 40.3C in Coningsby, Lincolnshire, on 19 July 2022, a record that is unlikely to be surpassed during this current heatwave.
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