LONDON HEATWAVE

LONDON HEATWAVE 2022

According to a new summary of events published by the Met Office, the recent heatwave that swept through the UK was far more severe and pervasive than past heatwaves of a similar kind. The United Kingdom weather saw its first ever temperature of 40 degrees Celsius on this day. On July 19, a temperature of 40.3 degrees Celsius was recorded in Coningsby, Lincolnshire. This temperature exceeded the previous record by 1.6 degrees Celsius, making it the new day maximum temperature record.

The previous record for the United Kingdom, which stood at 38.7 degrees Celsius, was broken at a total of 46 sites around the country. Many long-running stations with records dating back more than 100 years have recorded their highest temperature ever, with some by astonishing margins of three to four degrees Celsius. In addition, new records were established overnight when a new greatest low temperature of 25.8 degrees Celsius was recorded at Kenley Airfield in Greater London.

The Met Office's post-event analysis indicates that the record-breaking temperatures that were seen as a part of the London heatwave reflect significantly more extensive and severe heat weather than other notable high heat events that have occurred in the past. Our weather in London is changing and being based in London in Bell Yard, we need to understand that we need to do something to protect our employees and that customers that come to see us in our London office.

HISTORICALLY SIGNIFICANT HEAT

Weather temperatures on both July 18 and July 19 were over 38 degrees Celsius, and according to statistics from the Met Office, only two other occasions have ever surpassed this threshold: August 10, 2003, and July 25, 2019. Only on these four days, the 18th and 19th of July 2022, the 25th of July 2019, and the 10th of August 2003, has the United Kingdom seen temperatures over 38 degrees Celsius, according to data that date back to the middle of the 19th century.

The recent weather and heat have led to the Met Office issuing its longest-range Amber warning ever, with a lead time of six days, and a following Red warning for excessive heat; the first warning of its kind to be issued. Both of these warnings come as a consequence of the current global climate situation.

UK-WIDE HEAT

Due to the widespread nature of the heat, the average maximum temperature across the entirety of the UK surpassed 30 degrees Celsius for the first time ever. Additionally, the UK had its two hottest days on record according to this measurement in a series that dates back to 1960. Both of these records were set during the heatwave. The highest ever recorded average maximum temperature was established on July 19, 2022, and it was 2 degrees Celsius higher than the previous record, which had been set on July 25, 2019, at 29.5 degrees Celsius.

FURTHER HEAT TO COME?

LONDON HEATWAVE 2023

When looking forward to the beginning of August, it is probable that temperatures will continue to be above normal over southern regions of the UK. This may lead to spells of warm weather accompanied by hot or even very hot weather. Temperatures will probably be considerably closer to normal as you go farther north, and there will also be a larger chance of precipitation in this region. Heat-related effects may be produced by lengthy bouts of warm summer weather in London; they are not solely caused by the severe temperatures we have witnessed in recent days. It is typical for continental Europe to be hot at this time of the year; nevertheless, there are periods when this hot air may be brought up over southern regions of the United Kingdom. During the summer months, meteorologists keep a close eye on this possibility and will bring to your attention anything that seems out of the ordinary if that becomes required.

WHAT WE HAVE DONE

We have installed a weather app on our website. If you are planning to come into our offices in London, check the site before you set out on your journey. This will give you instant access to current weather data and forecasts for our area. Stay safe.