It was a pleasant start to the working week for millions of Britons, with the mercury reaching 32C in Northolt, west London. Temperatures fell short of breaking the all-time record high of 38.7C – set at Cambridge Botanic Gardens on July 25, 2019 – but the sunny day saw Wales record its hottest day of the year so far. Analysis: Britain’s heat will become increasingly uncomfortable – and deadly for some And while the evening should bring cooler conditions, the Met Office says many areas are in for a “tropical night” with temperatures not dropping below 20C. A rare ‘extreme heat’ warning has been issued for much of England and Wales, with extremely hot temperatures likely from Sunday and lasting until early next week. The Met Office’s orange warning can mean there is a chance of travel delays, road and train closures, power cuts – and even potential danger to life and property. People are being advised to take steps to stay safe in the sun after news emerged that a 16-year-old boy died at the weekend while swimming in a quarry at Dawber Delph in Lancashire. Temperatures have never reached 40C (104F) in the UK, but for the first time forecast computer models have shown it could be possible for mid-July. According to the latest modelling, large parts of the Southeast could also reach 39 C (102 F). While the prospect of a summer filled with beaches and beer drinking in the sun may be appealing, scientists have warned that the current extent of hot weather is a dangerous sign of climate change. Read more: Top tips for staying cool in the heat – including a trick used by the Royal Navy Dr Michael Byrne, lecturer in earth and environmental sciences at the University of St Andrews, said: “The current heatwave is a dangerous reminder of the accelerating effects of global warming. “With London expected to feel like Barcelona by 2050, the UK is set for more frequent and intense heatwaves in the coming years. “Extreme heat is a serious threat to public health which the UK is woefully ill-prepared to address. “We urgently need to fix the UK’s infrastructure to keep us cool and healthy in a rapidly warming world.” The country’s record high for 2022 so far stands at 32.7 C (90.9 F), which occurred at Heathrow on June 17.
