A recently published analysis by the Met Office confirms that the number of extreme high temperatures experienced in the UK is on the rise, a clear sign of climate change. The State of the Climate report states that, in 2023, the UK saw an increase in the number of very hot days and an increase in rainfall on really wet days. While there has also been a 40% increase in the number of pleasant days (those over 20°C), this change of climate is still a serious disruption to the ecosystems and infrastructure of the country.
While in the 1960s and 70s London and Hampshire were the only areas to see six hot days (defined as over 28°C) a year, in the last decade almost everywhere in England and Wales has seen the same, with figures in the south-east more than doubled. The increase becomes even more concerning when looking at days where temperatures exceed 30°C, which have tripled in number. While rainfall patterns show more variation, the report notes a 20% rise in the frequency of extremely heavy rainfall in the period of study.
The report details the multiple ways in which climate change is having an impact on the UK, as heatwaves and heavy rainfall cause disruption to infrastructure, damage to the environment, and pressure on healthcare systems. The report also notes that 2023 was the UK’s second-warmest year on record, featuring its hottest-ever June and joint-warmest September. This follows a pattern seen throughout the world of record-breaking warm temperatures and far fewer records for cool weather.
The report provides a stark reminder of the necessity for the UK and the rest of the world to take strong and immediate steps to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, if we are to avoid even more frequent and intense extreme weather events in the future
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