The temperature reached 34.8°C at Kew Gardens, the royal botanical gardens in the southwest of Londres, on Tuesday (May 26). The record pulverized the previous heat cutoffs for May, established in 1922 and 1944, by 2°C. The heat wave affects the entire Reino Unido, with cities recording historic temperatures for the period.
The intense heat turned public spaces into crowded refuges. In the Hampstead park, in the north of Londres, users formed queues of at least 200 meters to access the bathing lake closest to the subway on Monday (May 25), a national holiday in the country. Pessoas sought relief as the temperature reached unprecedented levels for May in that region.
Noite tropical and new temperature records
The dawn between Monday and Tuesday was classified as “tropical” by Met Office, the British meteorological service. Temperaturas did not drop below 20°C overnight. The Kenley military airport, south of Londres, recorded 21.3°C in the period. Terça-Friday saw the thermometer rise even further, exceeding 35°C at Heathrow airport in mid-afternoon, setting a new historical record for the location.
The spread of the heat wave hit multiple British regions simultaneously. Galês’s País faced 31°C on Cardiff on Tuesday at noon. The heat mainly affected the southeast and urban centers of the country. Autoridades meteorological reports confirmed the geographic extent of the phenomenon, indicating a severe national impact.
Alerta Healthcare Expanded Across Southwest
Agência of Segurança of Saúde of Reino Unido (UKHSA) has extended its orange alert to the entire southwest of Inglaterra. The measure occurred in response to continuous temperature recordings. The alert already covered Midlands and the east of the country. Initial Previsão indicated that the alert would remain in effect until Thursday (May 28) late afternoon.
UKHSA health alerts classify risks into 4 levels, with orange being the second highest. Neste level, the population faces increased risk of health impact, including vulnerable groups such as the elderly and people with pre-existing medical conditions. The system seeks to guide the population on protection during critical periods of extreme temperatures.
Contexto climate and historical precedents
Maio is presented as a climatically temperate month in Reino Unido. Previous Recordes at this time of year date from 1922 and 1944. The destruction of both by the current event at 2 degrees Celsius marks exceptional magnitude. Dados scientists indicate a trend of increasingly intense and frequent heat waves in recent years in the northern hemisphere.
Londres and its surroundings experienced visible transformations in urban behavior. Overcrowded Parques, congested public transport and peak energy demand characterized Monday and Tuesday. Comerciantes reported increased sales of cold drinks and personal refrigeration items. The country’s health system monitors emergency care related to extreme heat.
Continuidade expected from heatwave
Previsões meteorological forecasts point to the persistence of high temperatures beyond Tuesday. The climate scenario predicts maintenance of high pressure patterns over the nearby Atlantic region. Residentes were advised by authorities to maintain constant hydration, limit physical activities in direct sunlight and regularly check on elderly people in their social circles during the orange alert period.
