The UK’s record temperature appears to have been broken amid an exceptional heatwave that has caused chaos around the country.
The Met Office has warned that even as the UK break the records twice today, ‘temperatures are still climbing’.
A high of 40.2°C has been recorded in London Heathrow – beating the previous extreme set this morning at 39.1°C Charlwood, Surrey after 38.9°C was last recorded in Cambridge in 2019.
The Met Office said: “For the first time ever, 40 Celsius has provisionally been exceeded in the UK London Heathrow reported a temperature of 40.2°C at 12:50 today “Temperatures are still climbing in many places, so remember to stay #WeatherAware”
This morning 39.1°C was recorded in Charlwood, Surrey breaking the previous record of 38.9°C was last recorded in Cambridge in 2019.
Elsewhere, Europe is ablaze, with countless wildfires causing devastation across swathes of the continent.
In London, temperatures have been hotter than the Caribbean, the Western Sahara and other popular holiday destinations.
Brits are being urged to stay inside during the hottest points of the day – between 11am and 4pm – and wear sun cream, a hat, stay in the shade, keep hydrated and wear loose clothing.
Older people are more at risk from overheating during hot weather, which can lead to heat exhaustion and heat stroke – especially those who live alone or have long term health conditions.
Age UK recommends regularly checking in on the older people in your life – friends, family or neighbours – and offering to pop out to get anything they need so they don’t have to go out in the heat themselves.
Health conditions that affect the heart, lungs and circulatory system make it more difficult to regulate temperature, and the body has to work harder, which can put strain on the heart.
“Those with Alzheimer’s or dementia, or severe mental illness, may struggle to remember to change their behaviours or to stay hydrated,” says Jenny Lippiatt from Age UK’s health team.
“While older people might drink teas and coffees throughout the day, we are encouraging them to stick to water, as they can become dehydrated more easily.”
Age UK also recommends staying inside, having cool baths and showers, eating food with high water content and keeping spaces cool by drawing the curtains.
Article update: @13:08 Met Office temperature update
