Hottest start to Wimbledon in 147-year history amid 36C heatwave
Wimbledon is bracing for its hottest-ever opening day as a heatwave is forecast to peak at 36C on Monday.
The previous record temperature for the start of the grass court Grand Slam event was set in 2001, when 29.3C was reached.
The forecast for Monday could also be the hottest temperature ever recorded during the tournament at SW19. The previous highest being 35.7C in 2015.
People queueing for tickets will likely face intense heat and should take precautions.
British health officials have an amber heat health warning in place until 6pm on Tuesday July 1 for much of the country, including London. This warns of a rise in deaths, particularly amongst people aged 65 and over, or those with health conditions.
Wimbledon's heat rule will likely come into force, which allows for a 10-minute break in play during extreme heat.
The rule will apply after the second set for all best of three set matches, and after the third for all best of five set matches, with players allowed to leave the court during the break, but not to receive coaching or medical treatment.
Wimbledon organisers are taking precautions to protect the general public and staff, including ball boys and girls (BBGs), as well as players.
'Adverse weather is a key consideration in our planning for The Championships, and we are prepared for the predicted hot weather, with comprehensive plans in place for guests, players, staff and the BBGs,' a club statement said.
More free water refill stations will be provided around the grounds, and real-time weather alerts will be announced on big screens and via the tournament website.
Five-day heatwave
Staff shifts will also be adjusted to mitigate the heat, while 'shade-mapping' will help people get away from the sun.
Guidance also advises tennis fans to 'wear loose, cool clothing, preferably trousers', as well as 'wide brim hats' to keep the sun away.
A heatwave is predicted for much of England over the weekend and could last for a total of five days.
The weather is caused by a high-pressure 'heat dome' over mainland Europe, which is trapping hot air and forcing it downwards. This creates more heat at the surface, clears away clouds, and leads to more sun exposure which further bakes an area.
It leads to day-to-day increases in temperature until the lid holding the 'heat dome' in place is breached, often with powerful thunderstorms.
A heat dome caused London to surpass 40C in 2022, and the Met Office says the physics behind this phenomenon are common in the UK.
'A 'heat dome' is a term not frequently used in the UK meteorological world, though the physics behind it are essentially what happens frequently in UK summers,' explained Dr Rob Thompson, a meteorologist at the University of Reading.
Imperial research has found that the weather in June is now up to 4C hotter as a result of climate change, taking once pleasant summer temperatures into more hazardous territory.
Ben Clarke, research associate in extreme weather and climate change at Imperial College London, told The Telegraph that the extreme European heat, which could reach a record 47C in Spain, will cause the mercury in Britain to surge in coming days.
'If the forecasts are correct, the high pressure that is currently over much of western Europe will intensify,' he said.
'This will drive the transport of very hot air from north Africa and the Iberian peninsula northwards, resulting in an intense heatwave over the weekend.
'Whether the high pressure system classifies as a 'heat dome' will depend on how intense the high pressure is and how long it lasts, but this certainly has the characteristics of one.
'The forecasts currently show the high pressure weakening over the UK by early next week (though temperatures will stay in the mid-upper twenties in the south), but holding over mainland Europe into the middle of next week – after that, forecasts become a lot less certain.
'The heat is also very likely being amplified by the low rainfall we've had here and in much of Europe through the spring, as the land is unable to cool through evaporation.'
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