If there’s one stereotype about London that is inarguably true, it’s that we love to complain about the weather. When it’s cold, we moan and dream of summer, and in the midst of a sunny, warm day, we complain that there hasn’t been enough rain. But we’ve now moved beyond stereotypical complaints and conversational whinging – the city is about to get properly, uncomfortably HOT. Weather forecasts are predicting highs in the upper 30s, and the Met Office has even put a weather warning into force for ‘Extreme Heat’ on Thursday, August 13.
According to BBC Weather, Londoners can expect temperatures of 32°C tomorrow (August 12) and highs of 35°C on Thursday.
According to the Met Office, temperatures could go as high as 33°C tomorrow and 36°C on Thursday.
Extreme heat in London
The Met Office has issued an Amber Warning for Extreme Heat on Thursday, warning that “Very high temperatures may lead to impacts on Thursday.” The warning has a medium likelihood and a medium impact. The Amber Warning is in place stretching from London to the Midlands and South Yorkshire.
According to the Met Office:
“The highest temperatures will be in parts of the east, southeast and the Midlands, where 37 or even 38 Celsius could be reached. This may lead to impacts on transport, infrastructure and health.”
How to stay cool
Here are a few tips for keeping cool in these absurd temperatures:
- Draw the blinds – you don’t want to let the sunshine in.
- Stay hydrated – and we’re talking about water here, people, not alcohol.
- Keep windows shut during the day – otherwise you’ll just let in the warm air from outside. You can then open your windows in the evening to let some of the cooler air in.
- Get wet – the cooling effect of water on your body will be very helpful and soothing
- Find an air-conditioned venue in London
Why is it so hot?
This is just the latest instance of extreme temperatures, not just in London but around the world. While our capital city has experienced heatwave after heatwave, some European cities have endured temperatures climbing into the 40s.
It’s inarguable at this point that this is the result of climate change and the human impact on the environment.
Specifically for the UK, the heat is the result of high pressure over the country – keeping away rainfall, reducing cloud coverage, and increasing direct sunshine.
