As the sweltering heat of summer looms, the prospect of another record-breaking heatwave in London raises concerns about residents’ well-being. The UK saw highs of at least 25C over three consecutive days in the second week of June 2023. As summer enters full swing, however, temperatures are expected to peak at 32C or 33C in the southeast.
The UK’s Health Security Agency has already issued a heat-health yellow alert for parts of the country — signalling risks for people over 65 and those with pre-existing conditions. Hence, it’s imperative that Londoners prepare themselves for the heat in advance to ensure their safety.
Heatwaves in UK history
The UK is no stranger to heatwaves. The summer of 2018, for instance, experienced one of the hottest summers on record, with temperatures in London reaching a blistering 35C. The nation has faced several heat waves since then, with a historic drought and deadly heat waves in 2022 drying up rivers, affecting crops, and causing wildfires. This pushed the region’s infrastructure to the brink and contributed to volatility in energy and commodity prices.
Heatwaves in 2023
Experts warn that the record-high temperatures across England in 2022 will likely happen more intensely and frequently in the coming decades. In early June 2023, the El Niño weather event started in the Pacific Ocean, and its implications are endless.
There are estimates that 2023 will be the 10th successive year for temperatures to reach at least 1C above pre-industrial levels. Specifically, temperatures in the UK are predicted to reach 1.08C to 1.32C higher. The UN warns that no “credible pathway” exists to keep temperatures below 1.5C. Hence, the UK will likely see frequent heat waves above 40C in the foreseeable future.
Tips for Londoners
As climate change brings increasingly extreme weather conditions, Londoners should consider the following tips to ensure safety.
Invest in a good electric fan
At an initial glance, investing in an air-conditioning unit is the obvious solution to staying cool. However, air-conditioning systems are responsible for annually releasing 1,950 million tons of carbon dioxide worldwide. Hence, experts advise promoting “passive” methods of cooling instead.
A handy tip is to invest in a good electric fan, such as the energy-efficient ElectriQ eiQ-AM07, and place it in front of a bowl of ice to blow cool air. Otherwise, you can close all windows, external doors, blinds and curtains during the day and keep these open at night.
Alternatively Londoners could save money on suncare essentials from suncream to suntan lotion this summer with Boots voucher codes.
Dress appropriately
If you must go outside, shield your face with a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses. Almost any pair of sunglasses from a reputable brand can work for daily wear. Many Londoners commute, be it on bicycles or walking to and from a Tube station, and so a versatile pair are needed, such as the sunglasses from Oakley. Their Prizm lens technology reduces glare and enhances contrast for better performance when cycling, whereas its Plutonite lens material ensures 100% protection from UVA and UVB rays up to 400nm.
Pair any of Oakley’s stylish frames, such as the iconic Holbrook and limited Kato, with loose-fitting clothing. Breathable fabrics facilitate proper air circulation and heat dissipation. To stay fashionable, celebrity stylist Aimee Croysdill suggests choosing breathable fabrics such as cotton and linen. You also can’t go wrong with light colours, such as white and subtle pastel shades, to better resist heat.
Embrace healthier habits
In our feature on the second summer scorcher last year, frontline clinical teams expressed the need to wear and reapply sun cream to avoid burns. Ensure that this is a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF. Furthermore, you can also carry a water bottle around and make it a habit to take regular sips to stay hydrated.
It is still best to avoid the sun during the hottest part of the day to avoid heat stroke. Otherwise, keep emergency contact numbers like NHS 111 and the 24/7 Mental Health Crisis Line (0800 028 8000) nearby and remember to check on your loved ones.
Proactive preparation is paramount as the city anticipates another record-breaking heatwave in 2023. By taking these necessary precautions, Londoners can embrace the summer with confidence.
