Met Office: Expect Hotter Summers and Wetter Winters

The UK's climate is changing, with both hot and wet days becoming increasingly common, according to the Met Office's latest State of the Climate report.

This analysis, from the country’s weather and climate service, examines how climate change is reshaping weather patterns with notable impacts on our daily lives and the environment.

Temperatures on the Rise

Data from 2023 reveals a marked increase in scorching days in the UK. Historically, only London and Hampshire experienced six or more days per year with temperatures exceeding 28°C. However, in the decade from 2014 to 2023, almost every region of England and Wales saw this many hot days, with the South East now reaching 12.

This trend isn't limited to a handful of isolated events. 2023 was the second warmest on record, with the hottest June ever and a record-equalling September. Some experts blame these extremes on human-induced climate change, with four months ranking among the top ten in over 140 years.

Wetter Days on the Way

The Met Office also notes a rise in the frequency of extremely wet days. The wettest days from 1961 to 1990 have been 20% more common in recent years.

Storm Babet in October 2023 brought widespread heavy rainfall, causing significant disruption across the UK. Scotland experienced its wettest two days on record, equalling 40% of the average for an entire month.

Fresh Challenges

While viewing sunny days of 20°C or more as a positive may be tempting, these shifts pose serious challenges. The UK has seen a 40% rise in such weather over recent decades, straining ecosystems and infrastructure. Heatwaves and flooding are becoming frequent, putting pressure on healthcare systems, damaging infrastructure and disrupting daily life.

In September 2023, the UK experienced seven consecutive days with temperatures above 30°C – a first in recorded history. This period also saw the hottest day of the year, with temperatures hitting 33.5°C.

A Wider Perspective

The UK's experience is not unique but part of a broader global trend. The world recorded its hottest day twice in one week, with the global average surface air temperature reaching 17.1°C.

Climate change, driven by greenhouse gas emissions from burning fossil fuels, is the primary cause of these rising global temperatures. However, it’s worth noting that natural phenomena like El Niño have also contributed to these extreme conditions.

How Consumers Foot the Bill

The implications of this trend extend beyond the immediate impact on weather. They also affect energy consumption and costs. As temperatures rise, the use of air conditioning and cooling systems increases, leading to higher electricity consumption during heatwaves.

Extreme weather events, such as storms and heavy rainfall, can disrupt energy supply chains, leading to increased costs for the repair and maintenance of infrastructure. These disruptions often result in higher energy prices for consumers. Therefore, investing in resilient infrastructure that can withstand extreme weather also contributes to rising bills.

What This All Means

The Met Office's report underscores the urgent need to address climate change to mitigate its impact on the environment and our daily lives. By transitioning to renewable energy sources and reducing emissions, we can stabilise the climate and reduce the frequency of these extreme weather events.

This action will ultimately help to protect our ecosystems and infrastructure, reducing energy costs for British households.

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