Thousands will have died in UK’s unprecedented May and June heatwaves
Meanwhile, May temperatures reached a UK high of 35.1C at Kew Gardens on 26 May; this was a significant increase over the previous high of 32.8C, set in 1922 and equaled in 1944.
Experts say both heat waves were caused by a “heat dome” – a stagnant area of high pressure that traps warm air over the region.
Researchers say the heat dome is getting worse due to human-caused climate change. This has warmed the planet by about 1.4 degrees since pre-industrial times, and scientists believe this adds 3 to 4 degrees to the maximum temperatures recorded in May and June.
Warm tropical nights added to the sweltering conditions provided little respite.
Many homes in the UK are not built to cope, leaving people vulnerable to prolonged high temperatures.
Heat places a tremendous physical strain on the body, made worse when you become dehydrated, your heart pumps harder and faster to cool you down.
Babies and the elderly are among those most at risk of harm, along with existing health problems.
It can lead to more heart attacks, strokes, and other potentially fatal emergencies.
Intense heat can affect anyone, including fit and healthy people, and has been called the ‘silent killer’ because early symptoms are easily missed.
When hot weather is very wet or humid, as in June, it is more difficult for the body to cool down through sweating.
