Newcastle record temperature: what is hottest weather ever recorded - how does it compare to UK record?

Newcastle is expected to see record temperatures this week.
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The Met Office has issued multiple warnings across the UK with some southern parts receiving a red warning for extreme heat.

Newcastle managed to avoid a red weather warning, but there is still an amber warning in place until midnight tonight (19 July).

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The weather is said to break records and bring the hottest temperatures that the UK, including Newcaslte, has ever seen.

So what is the hottest temperature ever recorded in Newcastle?

Here’s everything you need to know.

What is a heatwave?

According to the Met Office, for a heatwave to be declared a threshold must be met.

The UK heatwave threshold is described on the Met Office website as: “when a location records a period of at least three consecutive days with daily maximum temperatures meeting or exceeding the heatwave temperature threshold.”

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The initial heatwave thresholds were calculated based on the 1981-2010 climatology of daily maximum temperature at the midpoint of the meteorological summer (15 July). In 2022, the Met Office updated the threshold.

The threshold for a heatwave temperature differs by county, with some areas in the southeast having a threshold of 28°C, while areas to the north and west have a threshold of 25°C.

What is the hottest temperature recorded in Newcastle?

The hottest day ever recorded in Newcastle was 32.5°C on 3 August in 1990.

However, that has since been smashed with temperatures reaching 34°C on Monday 18 July, and expected to reach 36°C on Tuesday 19 July.

What is the hottest temperature recorded in the UK?

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On Tuesday 19 July 2022 the UK broke its record for the hottest temperature ever recorded when temperatures at Heathrow reached 40.2°C.

Before that the hottest temperature ever recorded for the UK was 38.7°C from 2019.

What does an amber warning for extreme heat mean?

Amber warnings can mean many things even when it comes to hot weather, everytime the Met Office releases a specific warning they will also release a statement including a breakdown of what people in the affected areas can expect.

For this specific heat wave the Met Office said that people in the North East can expect the following:

  • Adverse health effects are likely to be experienced by those vulnerable to extreme heat. Government advice is that 999 services in emergencies only; seek advice from 11 if you need non-emergency health advice. 
  • The wider population are likely to experience some adverse health effects including sunburn or heat exhaustion (dehydration, nausea, fatigue) and other heart related illnesses.
  • Some changes in working practices and daily routines are likely to be required.
  • An increased chance that some heat-sensitive systems and equipment may fail, potentially leading to localised power cuts and the loss of other services to some homes and businesses. 
  • More people are likely to visit coastal areas, lakes and rivers leading to an increased risk of water safety incidents. 
  • Some delays to road, rail and air travel are possible, with potential for welfare issues for those who experience prolonged delays.

How to stay cool in a heatwave?

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While hot weather is something we in the north east often crave, heat waves can pose many risks and disturb daily life with things such as overheating, heatstroke and dehydration.

The internet is full of tips and tricks for keeping cool in this hot weather, however, the NHS has listed some of the most effective ways to carefully manage the extreme conditions.

The NHS lists the following tips:

  • look out for those who may struggle to keep themselves cool and hydrated – older people, those with underlying health conditions and those who live alone are particularly at risk
  • close curtains on rooms that face the sun to keep indoor spaces cooler and remember it may be cooler outdoors than indoors
  • drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol
  • never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals
  • try to keep out of the sun between 11am to 3pm
  • walk in the shade, apply sunscreen regularly and wear a wide brimmed hat, if you have to go out in the heat
  • avoid exercising in the hottest parts of the day
  • make sure you take water with you, if you are travelling
  • if you are going into open water to cool down, take care and follow local safety advice

For more information visit GOV.UK: Heatwave Plan for England.