Experts have warned that the second heatwave sweeping across the UK could cause more deaths despite bringing lower temperatures than those of July.
With no let up from the “lethally hot” weather, Hannah Cloke, Professor of Hydrology at the University of Reading, said that compared to last month’s 40C highs, this time round is likely to be less intense, but will last longer – which she added “could actually have a greater impact on people’s health.”
She continued: “This heatwave might not break any records for maximum temperatures, but it might actually cause more deaths.
“We know that the most dangerous heat conditions are caused when people, particularly those with underlying health conditions, have no respite from the heat for days and nights on end.”
It comes as wildfires and water shortages are ramping up across the UK as the country braces itself for soaring temperatures.
On Tuesday, the UK Health Security Agency extended its heat health warning for an extra day to Sunday evening over concerns the temperatures could affect public health, joining a four-day Met Office extreme heat alert which will come into force on Thursday.
