United Kingdom’s Heat Wave: Earth Observation Experts Examine Phenomenon From Space

Parts of the United Kingdom are already roasting in temperatures that may soon hit 40 degrees Celsius for the first time ever (104 degrees Fahrenheit). On Monday, academics at the University of Leicester in England presented new information about the UK's recent heat wave using data from space.

Space Observation Data Checks Heat Wave in the United Kingdom

Scientists from Leicester who work for the National Center for Earth Observation (NCEO) in Space Park Leicester have mapped measurements of land surface temperatures, with a maximum of 52°C.

According to Phys.org, experts have determined the needed factors through the two Sentinel-3 satellites that orbit the planet at more than 500 miles (800km).

Their graphic depicts the Earth's surface temperature as seen by the satellites' Sea and Land Surface Temperature Radiometer (SLSTR) at around 10:20 am on Monday. The European Space Agency ESA is in charge of running the satellites.

Although land surface temperature and ambient air temperature are measured differently, they are essentially related. The warmth emitted from Earth's surface affects and is affected by the weather and climate patterns.

The hotter land surface temperatures are seen on the map to be concentrated around London and other significant towns and cities in both southeast England and the Midlands.

Jerusalem Post, citing the experts, pointed out the increased density of concrete, buildings, and other dense materials that absorbs and retains heat faster than the natural land cover. These factors resulted in these urban "heat islands."

Britons Warned Over Dangerous Temperatures

The risk that excessive heat poses to the UK today is unprecedented. But this is not an isolated incident. Forecasters warn that the nation must prepare for hazardous temperatures much more frequently.

"We hoped we wouldn't get to this situation." Christidis added: "Climate change has already influenced the likelihood of temperature extremes in the UK," said Met Office climate attribution scientist Nikos Christidis in a press release Friday.

As a result, Christidis claims that the likelihood of 40-degree days in the UK has increased by up to 10 times compared to what it would be "under a natural climate unaffected by human influence."

According to The Verge, the UK's most recent high-temperature record was set in 2019 in the Cambridge Botanic Garden, when it was 38.7°C. The lives of individuals are increasingly at risk due to this heat.

The UK Health Security Agency issued its highest heat health alert this week. In a statement, the health officials warned that "illness and death may occur among the fit and healthy, and not just in high-risk groups."

This week, France, Spain, and Portugal are also dealing with excessive heat, which is causing wildfires to rage over portions of Europe. But a generally colder location, like the UK, may need to adapt to a new climate even more.

The Met Office has already warned of impending much hotter temperatures, as 40-degree heat has previously never been experienced in the UK.

According to the Met Office, a summer season in the UK with more than one day over 40 degrees Celsius is still unusual. It now only occurs every 100 to 300 years on average. But by 2100, a summer so hot may occur every 15 years, perhaps within the lifespan of many children today.

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