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Heatwave UK: What should People and Companies Do?
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?
What is a heatwave?
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.
UK Heatwaves: What's happening?
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 role of climate change
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!
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What causes a heatwave?
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.
Heatwave Mechanisms
- High-Pressure Systems: These systems compress the air, causing it to warm up. The descending air suppresses convection and prevents cloud formation, leading to more solar radiation reaching the ground.
- Jet Stream Patterns: The jet stream's configuration can create "blocking patterns" where high-pressure ridges get stuck over a region, leading to extended heatwaves.
- Ground Heating: With clear skies and intense sunlight, the ground heats up significantly, which in turn heats the air above it. Urban areas can experience even higher temperatures due to the heat island effect, where concrete and asphalt absorb and retain heat.
- Heat Index: During a heatwave, the perceived temperature can be even higher than the actual air temperature due to the heat index, which combines air temperature and humidity to reflect how hot it feels to humans. High humidity levels impede the evaporation of sweat, which is the body’s natural cooling mechanism. As a result, the body retains more heat, increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke. The heat index is a crucial metric for assessing the potential impact of a heatwave on public health, as it provides a more accurate measure of the human experience of heat and guides appropriate safety measures and responses.
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Why is Climate Change Making Heatwaves Worse?
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.
💡 Heatwaves are primarily caused by stationary high-pressure systems that trap hot air, with the jet stream playing a crucial role in their formation and duration. Climate change further amplifies these events, leading to more frequent and severe heatwaves.
Increasing UK Heatwaves
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.
What the data says:
- Attribution Studies: Research by the World Weather Attribution group found that the July 2022 heatwave in the UK was made significantly more likely due to human-induced climate change. The study used observed data and climate simulations to show that greenhouse gas emissions increased the recent heatwave's temperature by 2°C. Historical weather records suggest that the heatwave would have been 4°C cooler without human-caused climate change.
- Hottest Temperature Officially Recorded: The maximum daytime temperature on 19 July 2022, which reached over 40°C, was classified as a rare 1-in-1,000-year event. Such extreme temperatures would have been statistically improbable in pre-industrial times.
- Future Projections: If carbon emissions are not rapidly reduced, the consequences of climate change on extreme heat in Europe could be worse than previously thought. Current models might underestimate the real impact, suggesting that the frequency of extreme heat events could increase even more than anticipated.
Impacts on the UK
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:
- Vulnerable Groups: Certain demographics suffer more during heatwaves. Major cities and urban areas like London experience intensified heat due to infrastructure that retains heat. Poorer communities often lack access to green spaces and water, exacerbating their exposure to heat. The elderly, people with chronic health conditions, and homeless individuals are also at higher risk from hot temperatures.
- Infrastructure Challenges: UK infrastructure, including homes, hospitals, and prisons, is often unsuitable for extreme heat. For example, railway tracks can buckle, and buildings designed to retain heat become uninhabitable.
How do heatwaves impact human health?
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:
- Heat Stroke: This occurs when the body can no longer regulate its temperature, leading to dangerously high body temperatures.
- Heat Exhaustion: Symptoms include heavy sweating, weakness, and dizziness.
- Cardiovascular Issues: Extreme heat can strain the heart and blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
- Respiratory Problems: Higher temperatures can increase the concentration of harmful air pollutants, exacerbating respiratory conditions like asthma.
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.
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How do heatwaves impact businesses?
Heatwaves can significantly affect businesses across various sectors in the UK, with the agriculture sector being one of the most impacted.
Operational Disruptions:
- Infrastructure Strain: High temperatures can cause physical damage to infrastructure, such as buckling railway tracks and road surfaces, leading to transportation delays and increased maintenance costs.
- Energy Demand: Increased use of air conditioning and cooling systems can strain the power grid, leading to potential blackouts and higher operational costs.
Agriculture Sector:
- Crop Health and Yield: Extended periods of severe heat can severely affect crop health and yield. Heatwaves increase the risk of drought and water scarcity, making it difficult for farmers to irrigate their fields adequately.
- Worker Productivity: Outdoor workers are at an increased risk of heat exhaustion, reducing productivity. This affects not only planting and harvesting but also other outdoor summer businesses, which cannot operate at full capacity during heatwaves.
Employee Health and Productivity:
- Indoor Workspaces: Even businesses that operate indoors can be affected. Historical buildings in the UK often lack air conditioning, making workspaces uncomfortable and reducing productivity.
Supply Chain Disruptions:
- Transportation Delays: Heatwaves can cause delays in transportation networks, affecting the timely delivery of goods and materials.
- Perishable Goods: Businesses that rely on the transportation of perishable goods may face increased spoilage rates, leading to financial losses.
How can a company protect both its business and employees during a heatwave?
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.
Monitor Employee Comfort and Health:
- Regularly assess the workplace environment to ensure it is comfortable.
- Pay special attention to high-risk individuals, such as pregnant employees, those with underlying health conditions, or those taking medications affecting temperature regulation to protect them from the effects of dangerous heat.
Workplace Environment:
- Ensure a strong supply of water and air conditioning in the office.
- Relax dress codes to allow employees to wear lighter, more comfortable clothing during extreme heat.
Flexible Working Arrangements:
- Allow employees to work remotely to avoid the stress of commuting in overheated public transport.
- Implement flexible working hours to enable employees to travel during cooler parts of the day.
Heat Safety Protocols:
- Educate employees about the signs of heat-related illnesses and provide training on how to respond.
- Encourage frequent breaks, especially for outdoor workers, and ensure shaded or air-conditioned rest areas.
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:
Tips for managing your well-being during a heatwave
Being prepared is key when it comes to heatwaves. Here are some important and effective measures to protect your health and lessen discomfort:
Look Out for One Another:
- Check on elderly neighbors, friends, and family members with underlying conditions, especially those living alone.
- Stay connected with others through texts or calls to ensure mutual support.
Keep Your Home Cool:
- Block direct sunlight by closing windows and using blinds or curtains to maintain a moderate indoor temperature.
Avoid Exercise:
- Refrain from strenuous activities to prevent dehydration and heat-related health issues like heat exhaustion.
Stay Indoors:
- Stay inside with air conditioning or central cooling. If you must go outside, limit exposure during peak sun hours (11 AM to 3 PM) and use sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
Use AC or a Fan:
- Use air conditioning or fans to cool your home, but avoid using fans if temperatures exceed 35°C as they can exacerbate heat.
Hydrate:
- Drink plenty of water and avoid caffeine, alcohol, and sugary drinks, which can dehydrate you.
Prepare:
- Check long-range forecasts available through your national weather service and prepare for heatwaves by ensuring your fridge, freezer, and air conditioners are functioning.
- Sign up for the excessive heat warning alerts, this is available in the UK through the UK Health Security Agency.
- Stock up on food, medicine, and drinking water, and install blinds or shutters to keep your home cool.
By following these tips, you can better manage your well-being and stay safe during heatwaves.
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How can we prevent more 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.
How Greenly Can Help Companies Reduce Emissions
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:
- Proactive Engagement: By integrating sustainable practices now, your business can lead in environmental stewardship and set the benchmark for your industry.
Carbon Management:
- Measurement of GHG Emissions: Track Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions using advanced technology to gain an understanding of your carbon footprint.
- Custom Action Plans: Develop tailored strategies with the help of our climate experts, focusing on key areas for improvement and implementing effective changes.
Decarbonising Your Supply Chain:
- Engage Suppliers: Work with Greenly to transition to low-carbon options, achieving greater transparency and effectively managing Scope 3 emissions.
- Sustainable Sourcing: Our initiatives help build greener partnerships and reduce emissions throughout your supply chain.
Intuitive and Seamless Platform:
- User-Friendly Tools: Our platform streamlines the process of calculating and monitoring your carbon footprint. Greenly makes carbon assessment flow better, enabling your business to manage its environmental impact, meet ESG goals, and enhance sustainability.
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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