UK residents urged to sleep downstairs as heatwave hits 34°C
Heatwave brings 34°C temperatures; thunderstorms and heavy rain expected
Households in the UK are being encouraged to sleep downstairs as temperatures are expected to hit 34°C. Forecasters predict today could be the hottest day of the year, with the heatwave intensifying from Sunday.
Residents are advised to take lukewarm showers before bed, use a light duvet, and consider moving downstairs to sleep if the upper floors remain too hot. A foldable bed or sun-lounger on a cool, tiled floor can be more comfortable.
The Met Office has forecasted that on Sunday, cloud cover in the south will lift, early showers in northern Scotland will fade, and the weather will be mostly dry with sunny spells. It will be particularly humid in southern England and Wales. The day will end with late sunshine, turning windier overnight, and thunderstorms will develop in the west and north, bringing heavy rain and frequent lightning.
A surge of heat from the south will bring very hot and humid weather across much of England and Wales today 🌡️
Here are some tips for keeping cool in hot weather 👇https://t.co/asOEDW51lS pic.twitter.com/kPP0L9YIm1
— Met Office (@metoffice) August 12, 2024
For tomorrow, the forecast includes windy conditions in the north with thunderstorms and heavy rain moving eastwards. Other areas will see sunny spells and variable cloud amounts, with hot and humid conditions across England and eastern Wales.
The outlook from Tuesday to Thursday predicts a mix of warm weather and heavy rain. The heat will lessen, though it will remain warm, with periods of sunshine and rain, and occasional windy conditions.
Met Office meteorologist Kathryn Chalk noted that higher pressure moving across the UK will bring hot and humid air from the south, leading to high temperatures in southern and central England from Monday.
Two weather warnings have been issued ahead of the 34°C heatwave. Thunderstorms are expected across parts of the UK after the intense heat on Monday. A warning is in effect for Northern Ireland from midnight to 7 am, and a yellow alert is issued for Scotland starting at 2 am on Monday.
The Met Office stated that thunderstorms would develop over western UK and move northeast during Sunday night into Monday morning. Not all areas will experience them, but organised thunderstorms could bring frequent lightning, heavy rain, hail, and strong winds. Some areas might see 20-40 mm of rain, and locally up to 60 mm in a few hours, with hail up to 2 cm in diameter. The thunderstorms are expected to clear by Monday afternoon.
The warnings include potential spray and sudden flooding, leading to difficult driving conditions and possible road closures. There is a slight chance of temporary community isolation due to flooded roads, delays, and cancellations of train and bus services. Power cuts and service disruptions to homes and businesses are possible. There is also a small chance of rapid flooding, causing damage to buildings from floodwater, lightning, hail, or strong winds. Residents are advised to prepare a flood plan and an emergency flood kit if they are at risk of flash flooding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Why are UK households advised to sleep downstairs during the heatwave?
Sleeping downstairs can be cooler and more comfortable during high temperatures, helping to manage the heat better.
What are the Met Office weather warnings for August 12?
There are warnings for thunderstorms in Northern Ireland and Scotland, with risks of lightning, heavy rain, and strong winds.
What measures can help keep cool during the heatwave?
Take lukewarm showers, use a light duvet, and consider sleeping downstairs on a cool, tiled floor.
What are the potential hazards of the thunderstorms on August 12?
Hazards include flooding, lightning strikes, hail, strong winds, and possible power cuts and transportation delays.
What is the weather forecast for the UK after August 12?
The weather will turn fresher but remain warm, with a mix of sunny periods and bands of rain.
