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The UK is not known for its scorching summers, often characterised by cloudy skies and frequent rain. However, recent years have seen significant shifts in weather patterns, with 2023 experiencing record-breaking temperatures. As heatwaves become more frequent and intense, there is growing concern about how citizens and companies, unaccustomed to such extreme conditions, will manage these changes. This article explores the implications of rising temperatures and offers practical advice for individuals and businesses to cope with the challenges of extreme heat.
👉 Given the increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves in a country unaccustomed to such extreme conditions, how can citizens and companies in the UK effectively cope with these changes?
A heatwave (also written as heat wave), is an extended period of excessively hot weather, which may be accompanied by high humidity, especially in oceanic climate countries. It occurs when a high-pressure system stalls over an area, trapping warm air near the surface and preventing cooler air from entering. This system acts like a dome, leading to clear skies and prolonged periods of sunshine, which further elevate temperatures. Heatwaves can cause severe health risks, infrastructure strain, and environmental impacts, making them significant weather events that require careful monitoring and response.
The UK Met Office has confirmed that the summer of 2023 was unprecedented, with June recording the highest average temperatures since records began in 1884. Additionally, September 2023 saw eight days of extremely hot weather, with temperatures exceeding 30°C, this heatwave broke previous heat records in the UK.
To put this into perspective, typical summer temperatures in the UK average between 9°C and 18°C (48°F to 64°F), with maximum temperatures usually around 30°C. Historically, any temperature above 30°C (86°F) was considered a heatwave in the UK.
Recent years, however, have seen a shift, with extended periods of extreme heat replacing the usual unsettled conditions. In 2023, summer temperatures were significantly above average, raising concerns about public health and the impact on infrastructure and nature.
A heatwave in the UK is declared after three or more consecutive days where daily maximum temperatures meet or exceed a certain temperature. There are four different heatwave thresholds in the UK reflecting the different climates within the country. In Scotland and Wales for example the threshold is 25°C, whereas in South England and the East Midlands, it rises to 28°C. In contrast, the US considers temperatures above 32°C as a heatwave, and in India, it's 40°C.
The UK is now experiencing the tangible effects of climate change. Periods of extreme heat, heavy rain, and other extreme weather events are becoming more frequent, prompting the UK Government to consider how to prepare for these impacts.
The ongoing rise in global temperatures is alarming, with predictions that global surface temperatures could increase by up to 3°C in the coming years. The extreme heat poses risks not only to public health but also to historical landmarks and natural landscapes. During the 2022 heatwave, for example, a fire near Stonehenge threatened this ancient site, highlighting the broader implications of climate change.
Moreover, the summer of 2024 has illustrated the increasing unpredictability of the weather, with frequent rain and cool temperatures affecting major events like Wimbledon. This variability underscores the complexity of climate patterns - summers can now be a mix of low temperatures and extreme rainfall, followed by extreme heat and prolonged heatwaves all within the space of a month!
A heatwave occurs when a high-pressure system stalls over an area, trapping warm air near the surface. This high-pressure system acts as a dome, preventing cooler air from entering and hot air from escaping. As the sun heats the ground, the trapped warm air gets progressively hotter. This lack of air movement also prevents cloud formation, leading to clear skies and prolonged periods of sunshine, which further elevates temperatures.
In mid-latitude regions like the UK, the Polar Front Jet Stream plays a significant role in weather patterns. The jet stream is a fast-flowing river of air high in the atmosphere that moves from west to east. It forms waves with troughs (low-pressure areas) and peaks (high-pressure areas). When these waves become amplified, the high-pressure systems can become stationary, causing prolonged periods of heat.
Our changing climate exacerbates heatwaves by increasing the baseline temperatures. Warmer global temperatures mean that heatwaves start from a higher starting point, making them more intense and frequent. Studies have shown that the likelihood of heatwaves has increased significantly due to human-induced climate change. The increased frequency and severity of heatwaves are linked to the higher concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, which trap more heat and disrupt typical weather patterns.
👉 Did you know? According to the European Climate Service Copernicus, globally 2023 was the hottest year on record with temperatures close to 1.5°C.
Recent studies, including those by the World Weather Attribution group, have shown that human-caused climate change is a significant factor in the increasing frequency and severity of heatwaves in the UK. For example, the heatwave on 18 and 19 July 2022, where temperatures exceeded 40°C, was made at least 10 times more likely due to climate change.
The UK is particularly vulnerable to heatwaves due to its infrastructure and lifestyle, which are not designed for high temperatures. The following aspects make it especially challenging:
Heatwaves are not only detrimental to the environment but also pose significant threats to the human body. Climate change has exacerbated this issue, making severe heatwaves more frequent, even in regions historically unaccustomed to extreme heat.
During the summer of 2022, the UK Met Office issued its first-ever Level 4 warning for extreme heat, prompting the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) to declare a 'national heat emergency' and issue excessive heat warnings. This unprecedented action highlighted the severe health risks associated with prolonged exposure to extreme heat, even for healthy individuals.
Excessive heatwaves can lead to serious health issues, including:
Heatwaves are often referred to as "silent killers" due to their ability to cause widespread harm without immediate, visible effects. Vulnerable populations include the elderly, individuals with chronic illnesses, outdoor workers, and low-income communities who may lack adequate cooling resources.
In 2023, the UK experienced multiple heat periods, resulting in an estimated 2,295 heat-related deaths. This underscores the deadly potential of heatwaves and the need for public health interventions.
Heatwaves can significantly affect businesses across various sectors in the UK, with the agriculture sector being one of the most impacted.
Employers can't change the temperature outside, but they can take steps to ensure the safety and well-being of their employees during a heatwave.
By proactively implementing these measures, companies can protect their business operations and ensure the health and productivity of their employees during heatwaves.
Heatwave Impacts and Mitigation Strategies for Businesses Across Different Sectors:
| Business Sector | Impact of Heatwaves | Mitigation Strategies |
|---|---|---|
| Agriculture | Reduced crop yields due to drought and heat stress | Invest in drought-resistant crops, improve irrigation efficiency |
| Construction | Reduced productivity, increased risk of heat-related illnesses | Adjust work schedules to cooler hours, provide cooling breaks |
| Retail | Decreased foot traffic, increased cooling costs | Enhance online sales channels, optimise store cooling systems |
| Tourism | Decline in tourist visits, strain on water and energy resources | Promote indoor attractions, implement water and energy conservation |
| Manufacturing | Equipment overheating, supply chain disruptions | Upgrade cooling systems, develop resilient supply chain plans |
| Healthcare | Increased patient admissions, staff fatigue | Expand cooling facilities, ensure staff hydration and breaks |
| Hospitality | Decreased bookings, increased demand for cooling services | Offer heatwave packages (e.g., air-conditioned rooms), optimise energy use |
Being prepared is key when it comes to heatwaves. Here are some important and effective measures to protect your health and lessen discomfort:
By following these tips, you can better manage your well-being and stay safe during heatwaves.
To mitigate the severity and frequency of heatwaves, it is essential to address the root cause: global warming. Reducing global temperature rises is crucial. Without significant efforts to curb greenhouse gas emissions, heatwaves will become more frequent and intense, leading to severe economic, human, and environmental impacts.
Reducing emissions is key, which involves transitioning to renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, and implementing sustainable practices in industries and transportation. Adopting sustainable lifestyles is also vital, encouraging both the public and private sectors to adopt eco-friendly habits, such as reducing waste and conserving water and energy.
Supporting climate policies that aim to reduce carbon footprints and promote sustainability is equally important. By making a concerted effort to reduce emissions and embrace sustainable practices, we can protect our planet and future generations from the worsening effects of heatwaves.
To effectively combat climate change and its impacts, including heatwaves, companies need to take proactive steps in reducing their carbon footprint. Greenly offers a range of services designed to help businesses achieve this goal.
Lead in Climate Action:
Carbon Management:
Decarbonising Your Supply Chain:
Intuitive and Seamless Platform:
Why Choose Greenly?: Greenly offers comprehensive support for your sustainability journey, from carbon measurement and custom action plans to supply chain decarbonisation and platform integration. With our help, your business can significantly reduce its environmental impact and achieve lasting sustainability.
Contact Greenly today to start leading the way in sustainability and build a greener future for your company.
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