The unprecedented heat wave in the UK has been shattering records since Monday. The mercury soared high up to 38.1 degrees Celsius, making it the hottest day of the year so far.
A red warning for an extreme heat wave from London to Leeds has been issued already. Thus leaving citizens to turn to beaches in search of some relief from the extremely hot weather conditions prevailing throughout the country.
Furthermore, temperatures are anticipated to breach the 40 degrees mark in the forthcoming weeks, especially in the areas of Eastern England.
According to Met office chief scientist Stephen Belcher, this weather change is the consequence of human-caused climate alterations. Reportedly, 800 fatalities have been recorded owing to an extreme heatwave in the UK. Six incidents of beach drownings have also come to light. The breakdown of major forest fires in the Portugal and Balken regions further added to the death toll along with ten major fire calls in the country. The burning heat left the runway at Luton airport in London, resulting in a forced shut down for considerable hours.
“40 degrees Celsius is rare but not far from reality”, as quoted by the lecturer in climate science at Imperial College, London, Frederick Otto. The intensity of heat waves should serve as a wake-up call for humans, and the ruthless actions driving climate change need to be controlled. The carbon emissions from industrial and other activities contribute highly to such erratic weather patterns.
Consequently, the sales of air conditioners and fans have soared by 1300% as per a retailer ASDA. Though such temperatures are not so normal in this country with a temperate climate, this has been an unexpected and unwanted change in recent times. Thus, requiring the quickest and most stringent measures to curb the menace.
