Temperatures soar to 32°C in London, prompting health warnings and highlighting climate change concerns.

The UK has just witnessed the hottest September day in nearly seven years, with temperatures reaching an impressive 32°C in Kew Gardens, London, as reported by the Met Office. This marks the highest temperature recorded this month and is only slightly below the hottest day of the year, which occurred in June.

Although it’s not typical for September to see temperatures above 30°C, such heatwaves are becoming more frequent due to the ongoing effects of climate change. Experts predict that by 2070, hot weather like this will be far more common, with southern regions of the UK experiencing temperatures of 30°C or higher as many as 16 times a year.

This recent heatwave, however, has not been without its consequences. The UK Health Security Agency has issued an amber warning for the heatwave, stressing the potential health risks, particularly for those over 65 or with pre-existing health conditions like heart and respiratory issues. The public has been advised to stay hydrated, avoid exposure to direct sunlight during the hottest hours of the day, and take precautions like using sunscreen.

The heatwave is also exacerbated by high-pressure systems pushed over the UK from tropical storms, which have resulted in severe flooding and wildfires across southern Europe. The impact of these extreme weather events is becoming increasingly visible, with predictions showing that heatwaves will likely become even more intense in the coming decades.

As a result of the intense heat, councils across the UK have been taking steps to protect vulnerable people, including altering waste collection schedules and preparing roads to prevent damage from the heat. Local authorities are also concerned about tropical nights, which could see overnight temperatures not falling below 20°C in southern areas of the UK.