In football parlance, we are experiencing a hat-trick of heatwaves and it's only the first half of summer! The meteorological convention defines the summer months as June, July and August, so we have not heard the half-time whistle for summertime yet. 

The first warmer spell of summer saw a peak of 33.2C (91.8F) at Charlwood, Surrey, on 21 June. Just over a week later, we recorded the highest UK temperature of the year so far at Faversham, Kent, where the mercury rose to 35.8C (96.4F). Most Government and Met Office heat-health warnings thus far have been issued for the South and Midlands areas.

The UK's third heatwave is forecast to last longer and be more widespread than the previous two. Temperatures are expected to peak at 33C (91F) in England, although heatwave criteria are expected to be exceeded in Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland for up to seven days. 

Heatwave thresholds vary according to county and region, prompting heat-health weather alerts when temperatures between 25C and 28C are exceeded for at least three consecutive days. A potential for 29C in Northern Scotland certainly hits the heatwave criteria!

Runners are in for a torrid time if competing or training over this period. Resident runABC coach Alan Newman shared some tips on this important topic the last time we had a sizzling summer in 2022 – click here to read his article – but the main points are to respect the conditions and adjust your time, duration, intensity, and location of running where possible.

Our friends at Running4Women have just published their Nine Tips For Running In Hot Weather. 

Running4Women also offers this advice on hydration, a key element in your overall strategy that should start long before you even put on your running shoes.

If the hot, sunny weather and warm, humid nights don't suit you, remember this is Britain and before we know it, we'll all be complaining about the cold, wet and windy weather again!

Photo courtesy of Running4Women Blog Posts