Danish heat record from 1947 may be broken this weekend

Denmark is on alert for a significant heatwave this weekend, with the possibility of breaking the country's all-time temperature record. The Danish Meteorological Institute (DMI) has issued a heatwave warning, anticipating temperatures that could surpass the 35.5 degrees Celsius recorded in Hillerød in 1947.

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The previous heat record was set in 1947 in Hillerød at 35.5 degrees. We'll have to see if we get over that.

Klaus Larsen, a duty meteorologist at DMI, explained that the heat is already building and is expected to intensify through Friday, the first day of the official heatwave warning. A heatwave is defined as three consecutive days with an average temperature above 28 degrees Celsius, but most areas are forecast to experience temperatures exceeding 30 degrees throughout the weekend.

Saturday is predicted to be the warmest day, with temperatures potentially reaching 35 degrees Celsius in Funen and Zealand, possibly breaking the long-standing record. Many areas are also expected to experience "tropical nights," where temperatures remain above 20 degrees Celsius, making sleep difficult for many.

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The criterion for a heatwave is having an average temperature above 28 degrees for three consecutive days. But most places will have temperatures just above 30 degrees all weekend.

While Sunday may see slightly cooler air moving in, temperatures are still expected to hover between 25 and 32 degrees Celsius. Increased cloud cover and the potential for rain and thunderstorms are also forecast for Sunday. Following the weekend, temperatures are expected to gradually decrease, though tropical nights may persist in some locations.

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Generally, the weekend will be a hot affair for some, while others will surely welcome the high temperatures.

In response to the extreme heat, Larsen advised residents to follow public health recommendations. These include drinking plenty of fluids, even when not feeling thirsty, consuming extra salt to compensate for losses through sweat, and using shade, sunscreen, and sunglasses due to the high UV index. Coastal areas may offer some respite, with water temperatures keeping nearby areas cooler, ranging from 20 to 25 degrees Celsius.

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Saturday will likely be the warmest day of the weekend, and this is when the heat record could be broken.