Are 'heat spikes' becoming more common?
Summary
The UK experienced a record-breaking early May heatwave, with temperatures rising rapidly, sometimes by 10°C in two days. Climate experts say such fast temperature spikes happen more often now due to warmer base temperatures, drier land, and certain weather patterns bringing hot air from southern Europe.Key Facts
- Temperatures in the UK hit 35.1°C during an early May heatwave, breaking records.
- Temperature rises of up to 10°C in two days were observed, which is faster than usual.
- The UK’s hottest days are warming about twice as fast as average days compared to past decades.
- Days with temperatures 5°C above average have doubled, and days 10°C above average have quadrupled since 1961-1990.
- Drier soil heats up faster and is linked to more frequent droughts in the UK.
- Large high-pressure systems (blocking highs) create dry, sinking air that heats up more intensely than before.
- South or south-easterly winds bring warmer air from southern Europe and North Africa, increasing heatwaves in the UK.
- Climate change is causing European regions, especially in the south, to warm roughly twice as fast as the global average.
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