New analysis of observations shows that extremes of temperature in the UK are most affected by human induced climate change. This means the UK is seeing, on average, more frequent periods of hot weather, bringing challenges for infrastructure, health and wellbeing. The observations also suggest an increase in rainfall extremes.
The State of the UK Climate 2023 report, published in the Royal Meteorological Society’s International Journal of Climatology, presents a comprehensive review of the UK climate and significant weather events throughout 2023. Based on long-term data from the UK’s weather stations, this annual publication reveals notable trends and changes attributed to climate change.
Key Findings:
- Rising Temperatures: The frequency of days with temperatures reaching 28°C has significantly increased across the UK. In the 1961-1990 period, only London and Hampshire recorded six or more such days. By 2014-2023, many regions in England and Wales experience over 12 days of 28°C annually.
- Increased Heat Days: The number of ‘pleasant’ days (20°C) rose by 41%, ‘warm’ days (25°C) by 63%, ‘hot’ days (28°C) more than doubled, and ‘very hot’ days (30°C) tripled from 1961-1990 to 2014-2023.
- More Wet Days: The frequency of the top 5% of wettest days from 1961-1990 has increased by around 20% in the past decade (2014-2023), indicating more days of exceptional rainfall across the UK.
Credit: ‘State of the UK Climate 2023’ report
2023 saw the UK’s warmest June, a significant September heatwave, and a record number of named storms from September to December. Coinciding with June’s record warmth, a marine heatwave contributed to the extreme weather.
Sea Level Rise
The National Oceanography Centre reports a continued rise in sea levels, with 2023 marking the highest annual mean sea level recorded at Newlyn.
Lead author and Met Office climate scientist, Mike Kendon, said: “Our new analysis of these observations really shines a light on the fastest changing aspects of our weather as a consequence of climate change. Long term averages can be difficult for people to relate to, but what we are showing here is the notable change in frequencies of extreme weather that can have a real impact on people’s lives.
Professor Liz Bentley, Chief Executive of the Royal Meteorological Society, said: “This report is the authoritative annual summary of the UK climate published as a special supplement in our International Journal of Climatology. It not only helps to highlight the latest knowledge on our changing climate but also enables us to understand the trends, risks and impacts to help inform how we will need to adapt, now and in the future.
“The new analysis of days that are classified as ‘hot’ or having ‘exceptional rainfall’ highlights the increased frequency in high impact extremes we are already experiencing in the UK, and the attribution studies help to understand how human activities, such as burning fossil fuels, are making these extreme events much more likely to happen as our climate continues to change.”