European 'death zone' heatwave to hit UK – but one-minute trick could keep you cool

The UK is bracing for a sizzling heatwave as the "European oven" threatens to push temperatures to a scorching 34C in the coming days.

A weather expert has sounded the alarm that Tropical Storm Debby, which claimed six lives in the US and unleashed severe flooding, could usher in Britain's hottest day of the year so far. Predictions indicate that areas like East Anglia and Cambridge might experience highs of up to 34C on Sunday, August 11.

Debby's influence on the jet stream's configuration and Atlantic pressure levels is expected to significantly affect the UK's temperature and weather patterns, specialists assert.

This heat onslaught coincides with Europe's battle against what's termed the "death zone" – a period when temperatures soar above 35C – with Madrid potentially facing a blistering 40C. The European heatwave is anticipated to send a "Spanish plume" towards the UK, raising the chances of experiencing the "hottest day of the year".

Jim Dale, the founder of British Weather Services, had previously highlighted the potential perils of such extreme heat for humans and animals alike, reports the Mirror.

Mr Dale admits it's unlikely for the UK to actually encounter these lethal "death zone" temperatures, though he concedes they will come tantalisingly close with peaks of 34C in the South East. He predicts the heatwave will commence on Sunday (August 11) evening and continue into Monday (August 12).

He explained: "There is currently a European oven and we have been burnt six or seven times so far. Europe is in the oven and we are on the edge of it."

Mr Dale indicated that there will be some relief on its way when Wednesday arrives as temperatures are then expected to decline again. These sudden temperature peaks, he warns, are an unsavoury effect of the ongoing climate change crisis.

He is predicting potential heatwave warnings from authorities. A mini heatwave may be declared between Sunday and Tuesday if the mercury continues to soar over 30C for three consecutive days, as forecasted.

The meteorologist also shared his tips to keep cool, including keeping out of direct sunlight and maintaining a healthy intake of fluids. Another is to dip your fingertips in chilly water.

He advised: "If you are in a desperate situation and are feeling distressed - and this works for pets too - you can put your fingers in icy water. You will lose at least a degree in body temperature."

"Otherwise, there's the usual ways to keep cool like ensuring there is a breeze around, using fans if they're affordable, and wearing clothing made from natural materials like cotton. Always ensure sunscreen is applied abundantly and cover yourself up when possible."

In anticipation of the imminent mini-heatwave, Mr Dale also encourages people to avoid direct sunlight, particularly by ensuring windows and curtains remain closed if they are facing the sun. His additional advice was: "If your window is in direct sunlight then you don't want it open."

"Whether you want your windows open depends on the day. If it's 35C outside then you would be letting in that warm air if your room is cooler than outside but if you can get a through breeze through your doors and windows then that will help."

"We could though see tropical nights, which are above 20C, and if we do get that, then the impact of opening the window would be negligible, but it's down to the individual."

Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Nick Silkstone has forecasted that Debby is set to bring heavy rainfall to northern England next week. While the storm won't make a direct hit, Nick notes it will still influence UK weather patterns.

He said: "While Debby itself won't reach the UK, the system and its remnants does play a role in the UK forecast next week, but chiefly as background influence on the shape and strength of the jet stream, which often plays a significant role in the weather we experience in the UK.

"Debby in North America will help to strengthen and veer the direction of the jet stream and this means this ribbon of air is likely to shift further to the south.

"This southwards dip in the jet stream will likely be located across the mid-Atlantic this weekend and early next week, allowing southwesterly flow across the UK. During this time a hot and perhaps very hot airmass could develop and be advected into the southeast of the UK.

"On balance it now looks likely that temperatures will reach 30C, with around a 30% chance that temperatures could reach the mid-30s Celsius early next week. Debby plays a role in developing this forecast hot spell."