Reino Unido recorded its highest temperature for the month of May in the week of May 25-26. Em Londres, thermometers reached 35 degrees Celsius in Jardins Botânicos Reais of Kew, surpassing the previous record by 2 degrees. The heat wave that runs through Europa breaks successive records in multiple countries.
Historical Recordes in Reino Unido and expansion by Europa
The phenomenon began on May 25th with 34.8 degrees Celsius in Londres, and on the 26th the temperature rose to 35 degrees. The expected average maximum temperature for Londres in late May is approximately 20 degrees Celsius. Significant Partes of Europa Ocidental records temperatures between 10 and 15 degrees Celsius above average during the week.
França faces its most intense heat wave for the time of year. The French meteorological agency confirmed that May 25 was the hottest ever recorded for May in the country. Na Espanha, Serviço Meteorológico predicts temperatures reaching 40 degrees Celsius in the south of the country later this week, with patterns described as unusually high for the season.
Como works the heatwave
A heat wave is a stagnant high-pressure system that acts like a lid on a pan, trapping and compressing atmospheric heat. Esses phenomena can last from a few days to several weeks. The frequency and intensity of heat waves increase due to climate change caused by the emission of greenhouse gases.
Segundo o Met Office do Reino Unido, climate change is making it more likely that May high temperature records will be broken. What was once considered a rare event, occurring approximately once every century, now happens with an estimated frequency of once every 33 years.
Impactos immediate in the lives of citizens
The consequences of this heat wave manifest themselves in multiple scenarios. Na Escócia, a forest fire broke out near Arthur’s Seat hill, in Edimburgo, on the 25th due to rising temperatures. In the southeast of Inglaterra, hundreds of homes were left without water due to a sudden increase in demand for supply.
Reino Unido experienced “tropical nights” where temperatures did not drop below 20 degrees Celsius. The majority of British homes do not have good thermal insulation and only around 5% of homes have air conditioning installed, making conditions extremely uncomfortable and dangerous.
A report released by Comissão of Mudanças Climáticas of Reino Unido warned that Grã-Britain is “built for a climate that no longer exists.” Housing infrastructure was not designed to withstand such temperatures.
Mortes heat related
Na França, a government spokesperson reported that 7 people died, directly or indirectly, due to the extreme heat. Pelo at least 5 deaths occurred due to drowning while trying to cool off in public waters, and there were also heat-related deaths at sporting events.
Contexto scientific climate change
Scientists have now established that extreme heat waves are increasing in frequency and intensity due to the effects of climate change. Greenhouse gases emitted from burning fossil fuels wrap around Terra like a blanket, warming the planetary surface.
Europa is the continent that is warming the fastest compared to other regions of the globe. Climate change caused by human action amplifies the likelihood of extreme weather events like this:
- Temperaturas records broken successively in Reino Unido, França and Espanha
- Incêndios forestry related to drought conditions
- Crises water supply in urban areas
- Mortes direct and indirect causes caused by extreme heat
- Urban Infraestrutura unsuitable to withstand exceptional temperatures
- Redução of the interval between extreme events (from once every century to once every 33 years)
Met Office’s spokesperson explained that “while it is possible that there will be periods of intense heat in May, what we are seeing now is unprecedented.” Projections indicate that events of this nature will continue to intensify in the coming decades without a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.