News / Shetland a ‘perfect place to avoid the heatwave’
However there could be some fine weather today (Tuesday)
MOST of the UK may be sweltering in searing temperatures expected to reach nearly 40°C today – but Shetland remains one of the coolest places in the country.
This week the isles were described as the “perfect place to avoid the excessive heatwave” by Promote Shetland.
The weather forecast is for a relatively fine day in Shetland today (Tuesday), with the possibility for temperatures in some parts of the isles such as Brae reaching 20 or even 21°C. The southend meanwhile is expected to stay somewhat fresher.
While a national emergency has been declared in parts of the UK, a Met Office spokesperson confirmed that Shetland was one of the coolest places in the UK on Monday, with some temperatures sitting at around 14°C.
The Gulberwick Weather station recorded a high of 16.6°C on Monday.
A spokesperson for Promote Shetland said: “We’ve always known that Shetland is the ultimate destination for those wishing to escape the rush and pressure of their busy lives.
“Right now, Shetland is also the coolest place in the UK making the islands the perfect place to avoid the excessive heatwave affecting the rest of the country.
“Shetland’s pristine landscapes are spectacular whatever the weather and the islands are geared up to welcome visitors throughout the year. All we ask is that people follow some simple steps to respect the environment.”
It is the first time 40 degrees has been forecast in the UK. The current record high temperature in the country is 38.7°C in Cambridge in 2019.
On Monday the UK recorded a top temperature of 38.1°C but in some parts of the country it could rise into the 40s today.
The heatwave has prompted warnings that fit and healthy people could fall ill.
Scotland is set to escape the worst of the high temperatures, but an extreme heat warning is in place for the south and east of the country.
Met Office climate attribution scientist Dr Nikos Christidis said: “In a recent study we found that the likelihood of extremely hot days in the UK has been increasing and will continue to do so during the course of the century, with the most extreme temperatures expected to be observed in the southeast of England.
“Climate change has already influenced the likelihood of temperature extremes in the UK. The chances of seeing 40°C days in the UK could be as much as 10 times more likely in the current climate than under a natural climate unaffected by human influence.”
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