UK hits 38.1C, its hottest day this year; four consecutive months exceed 35C

The United Kingdom experienced its hottest day of the year on September 13th, as temperatures soared to 38.1 degrees Celsius (100.6 Fahrenheit) in London's Kew Gardens. This reading surpassed the previous high of 38 degrees Celsius recorded on June 28th. The heatwave has gripped Europe, with several locations in the UK, including Surrey and Worcestershire, also recording temperatures above 36 degrees Celsius. Wales also saw temperatures reach 35 degrees Celsius.

This prolonged period of extreme heat is historically significant. For the first time since records began, the UK has endured four consecutive months, May through August, where temperatures have exceeded 35 degrees Celsius on at least one day each month. The Met Office issued a severe amber heat warning for much of England, indicating a high likelihood of disruptions to transport, potential power outages, and risks to life and property.

The extreme temperatures have exacerbated existing drought conditions, with approximately three-quarters of England and all of Wales currently facing drought status, placing significant strain on water resources for both domestic and agricultural use. The heatwave has also fueled wildfires, causing damage to homes and leading to emergency responses. Emergency services reported a surge in visits to urgent treatment centers, with monthly attendances exceeding 2.4 million between May and July, marking a record high.

Across Europe, similar extreme weather conditions persist, with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius in some areas. Spain recorded a high of 42.4 degrees Celsius, while France saw temperatures reach up to 39 degrees Celsius. The heatwave has placed considerable pressure on energy grids, increasing electricity demand significantly in countries like Italy, Hungary, France, and Spain. However, power generation from nuclear and fossil fuel plants has been hampered by difficulties in securing cooling water due to low river levels, such as the Danube River reaching record lows. Solar power has provided some relief, with the EU recording record solar generation in June and July, contributing 25% of the total power supply.