What is a heatwave?
A heatwave is a prolonged period of abnormally hot weather, which may be accompanied by high humidity, often occurring during the summer months. Heatwaves are characterised by high temperatures that persist for several days, sometimes even weeks. The exact definition of a heatwave varies depending on location and local climatic conditions, but a typical heatwave is defined as a period of three or more consecutive days with maximum temperatures that are higher than the average for that time of year.
During a heatwave, the temperature can rise to levels that are dangerous to human health and can also cause damage to crops and infrastructure. Heatwaves can also lead to other problems, such as drought, wildfires, and power outages due to increased demand for electricity from air conditioning and other cooling systems.
In addition to high temperatures, heatwaves can also be accompanied by high humidity levels. This can make the heat feel even more intense, as the body's natural cooling mechanisms, such as sweating, are less effective in humid conditions. High humidity levels can also increase the risk of heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
Heatwaves are often caused by high-pressure systems that trap hot air in a region for an extended period of time. Climate change is also increasing the frequency and intensity of heatwaves around the world, as rising temperatures make them more likely to occur and more severe when they do.
What makes a heatwave in the UK?
Heatwaves in the UK are typically caused by a combination of factors, including high pressure, warm air coming in from the continent, and local climatic conditions.
High-pressure systems can block cooler air from moving in, creating a stagnant air mass that can trap hot air in a region. When this occurs over the UK, it can cause a period of prolonged hot weather. These high-pressure systems are often known as "anticyclones" or "blocking highs".
Warm air coming in from the continent can also contribute to heatwaves in the UK. During the summer months, warm air from the south of Europe can travel across the continent and into the UK, bringing higher temperatures with it.
In addition to these factors, local climatic conditions can also play a role in the development of heatwaves in the UK. For example, the urban heat island effect, which causes cities to be warmer than surrounding rural areas due to human activities, can contribute to higher temperatures during heatwaves.
Climate change is also increasing the likelihood and severity of heatwaves in the UK, as rising global temperatures make extreme heat events more likely to occur. The UK has already experienced several notable heatwaves in recent years, including in 2018 and 2019, and it is likely that heatwaves will become more frequent and intense in the future.
What would be defined as a heatwave in the UK?
In the UK, there is no specific definition of a heatwave, but it is generally described as a prolonged period of hot weather, often accompanied by high humidity. The definition used by the UK's Met Office is "an extended period of hot weather relative to the expected conditions of the area at that time of year, which may be accompanied by high humidity."
The Met Office also uses a "Heat-Health Watch" system to alert the public and health professionals when a heatwave is expected. This system is triggered when there is a high likelihood of heatwave conditions occurring, based on forecasted temperatures and other factors such as humidity and wind speed. The system operates at four different levels, ranging from Level 1 (Green) to Level 4 (Red), depending on the level of health risk posed by the heatwave.
In general, a heatwave in the UK is considered to be a period of at least three consecutive days with maximum daytime temperatures that are significantly higher than the average for that time of year. However, the exact definition of a heatwave can vary depending on location and local climatic conditions. For example, temperatures that may be considered a heatwave in the north of Scotland may be relatively normal for parts of southern England.