UK 1947 Heatwave Compared to Recent Record Temperatures

In early June 1947 England experienced a severe heatwave, with temperatures reaching 94 °F (34.4 °C) at RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire and similar highs at London sites such as Camden Square and Kensington. Six other locations recorded 93 °F, making the event comparable in intensity to the recent heatwave that saw a record 95 °F at Kew.

Analysts note that modern urban heat‑island effects inflate current readings, especially at Heathrow, Northolt and Teddington, whereas the 1947 measurements were taken in a more rural setting. They argue the Met Office’s emphasis on the recent heatwave as evidence of climate change omits these historical precedents, suggesting the phenomenon is not unprecedented for this time of year.

The commentary challenges the narrative that today’s extreme temperatures are solely a product of climate change, pointing out that similar conditions occurred nearly eight decades ago without such attribution.