The United Kingdom is preparing for one of the most intense heatwaves in its recent history.
Meteorologists have issued a red weather warning (a rare event) for several regions in England and Wales, warning that temperatures could surpass historical records for June in the coming days and could approach 40 degrees Celsius.
The warning comes into effect Wednesday morning and remains valid until Thursday evening, as extreme heat is expected to affect millions of people.
Temperatures that could rewrite records
British meteorologists estimate that in numerous areas, temperatures will exceed 35 degrees Celsius, surpassing the absolute record for June of 35.6 degrees, set in Hampshire in 1976.
Furthermore, there is a possibility that in some regions, especially in London and the southeast of England, temperatures could reach 39 degrees or even approach the national record of 40.3 degrees Celsius, set in the summer of 2022.
"We could see temperatures exceed 39°C if the final values are at the upper end of our narrowed range," said Grahame Madge, a spokesperson for the Met Office.
The red weather warning has been issued for London, the southeast and southwest of England, the east of the country, East Midlands, West Midlands, and Wales.
Authorities warn of health risks
In addition to the weather alerts, the United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued red-level warnings regarding the impact of the heatwave on public health.
Authorities warn that extreme temperatures and high humidity can cause serious problems for vulnerable individuals and put pressure on hospitals and emergency services. There is also a risk of issues arising with energy and water infrastructure.
Meteorologists also highlight the increase in accidents in recreational areas, as people flock to beaches, lakes, and rivers in search of places to cool off.
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Hundreds of schools close their doors
The heatwave is already impacting the education system. Hundreds of schools have decided either to suspend classes or to shorten the schedule and send students home earlier.
In many educational institutions, students have been allowed to forgo traditional uniforms and wear more casual sports attire to cope with the exceptional temperatures.
Transportation issues and cancelled trains
The heatwave is also affecting transportation. Rail operators have warned that high temperatures can lead to delays and cancellations, advising travelers to avoid non-essential journeys.
Avanti West Coast is already operating on a reduced schedule, while Chiltern Railways has cancelled over half of its trains until the end of the week.
Additionally, Eurostar has cancelled four services between London and Paris, citing the extreme weather conditions forecasted for the upcoming days.
For a country accustomed to moderate temperatures even in the middle of summer, a red heatwave warning remains an exceptional event. This week's episode comes just four years after the United Kingdom surpassed the symbolic threshold of 40 degrees Celsius for the first time, a record previously considered nearly impossible for the British climate.