Extreme weather events from abnormal heat to devastating floods are no longer uncommon in the UK. According to a new climate report, the country is facing rapid changes in temperature and precipitation patterns that pose a serious threat to public health, infrastructure resilience and the normal functioning of society.
Meteorological data from hundreds of stations across the country show that the frequency and intensity of the hottest days have increased dramatically. In the last 10 years, the number of days when the temperature exceeded the climatic norm by 5°C has doubled.
The number of days when the temperature exceeded 8°C has tripled, and those when it exceeded 10°C has quadrupled. There are now 8% more sunny days. At the same time, periods of intense precipitation have become more frequent, especially during the cold season: from October to March, the number of “extremely rainy” months has increased by 50%.
In the 2023-2024 season, the UK experienced its wettest winter since records began in 1767. Flooding in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, the West Midlands and other areas caused serious damage. Sea levels along the country’s coastline also continue to rise rapidly faster than the global average increasing the threat of coastal flooding.
Storm surges are becoming more frequent and dangerous. Sea levels could rise by up to two metres by the end of the century, increasing the risks from storm surges and destructive tides.
Heat-related deaths are already a reality: an estimated 600 people died in England and Wales during the June heatwave. Scientists are certain that such temperatures are 100 times more likely due to global warming. This was followed by two more waves of abnormal heat. Cold spells, on the other hand, are becoming less frequent: the number of days with frost has decreased by an average of 14 per year.
Climate change is also affecting nature. Spring 2024 was the earliest in recorded history: blackbirds began nesting and tadpoles appeared earlier than usual. Of the 13 natural phenomena monitored, 12 occurred ahead of schedule. This disrupts the synchronisation of ecosystems: pollinators and food sources may not “meet” at the right time, Dr. Judith Garforth of the Woodland Trust warns.
Professor Liz Bentley of the Royal Meteorological Society emphasises that the current report is not just a statement of facts, but an alarm bell. It should be a catalyst for strengthening measures to adapt and protect the population from increasing climate pressure.
“We are no longer talking about the future. We are already living in a new climate reality,” Mike Candon of the UK Met Office says.
