Monday, July 14, 2025

‘Profound Concern’ as Scientists Say Extreme Heat ‘Now the Norm’ in UK

THE GUARDIAN: Increasing frequency of heatwaves and flooding raises fears over health, infrastructure and how society functions

Record-breaking extreme weather is the new norm in the UK, scientists have said, showing that the country is firmly in the grip of the climate crisis.

The hottest days people endure have dramatically increased in frequency and severity, and periods of intense rain have also ramped up, data from hundreds of weather stations shows. Heatwaves and floods leading to deaths and costly damage are of “profound concern” for health, infrastructure and the functioning of society, the scientists said.

The weather records clearly show the UK’s climate is different now compared with just a few decades ago, the scientists said, as a result of the carbon pollution emitted by burning fossil fuels. » | Damian Carrington | Environment editor | Monday, July 14, 2025