The United Kingdom is experiencing an unusually intense heatwave as temperatures surge to the highest ever recorded for May. Public health agencies have warned the public, especially the elderly, to be cautious of the life-threatening dangers posed by the heat.
The UK's Meteorological Office reported that temperatures at London's Heathrow Airport reached 33.5 degrees Celsius on Monday, breaking the previous May record of 32.8 degrees Celsius set in 1922 and matched again in 1944.
The intense heat over the Bank Holiday Monday weekend led many locals and tourists to seek relaxation at beaches, parks, and outdoor areas to escape the heat, with crowds gathering in shaded spots and playing in water amid temperatures unusually high for late spring.
The UK Health Security Agency issued its first orange-level health alert of the year, warning that the rising temperatures could increase deaths, particularly among the elderly, those with pre-existing conditions, and people working outdoors during the hottest parts of the day.
Meteorologists explained that this heatwave is caused by a high-pressure system from Europe spreading over the UK, bringing hot air masses that cover many parts of the country.
Experts also noted that May heatwaves are rare in the UK and that the unusually low rainfall during this period may impact agriculture and potentially harm crop yields in the future.
Meanwhile, climate scientists warn that the world is facing more frequent and severe extreme weather events due to global warming, which not only causes intense heatwaves but also increases the risk of natural disasters worldwide.
,BBC
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