Another summer heatwave could cripple UK as experts say we're not prepared

31 May 2023 , 23:01

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Homes were gutted by fire last July as wildfires broke out in the extreme heat (Image: Getty Images)

A summer heatwave could cripple the country, with vital resources at “breaking point”, experts warn today.

Research by the Place-Based Climate Action Network found councils, emergency services, transport chiefs and water and energy firms feared the nation was not prepared to respond to extreme heat in the coming weeks.

The warning comes after last year’s record-breaking temperatures, when the mercury topped 40C for the first time.

The think tank revealed “participants in the research said that ‘England is not prepared to manage future extreme heat events, particularly if these were to occur more frequently at the same magnitude and duration, or if they were less frequent but of greater magnitude, than the 2022 heatwaves’.”

Place-based Climate Action Network co-director Candice Howarth said: “The UK does not have a history of climate adaptation to cope with extreme heat but this now must be at the top of the agenda for government, organisations, cities and the public.”

Queen honoured in London New Year's fireworks before turning into King Charles

Another summer heatwave could cripple UK as experts say we're not prepared

Families flock to beaches when the sun comes out and heat rises (PA)

UK temperatures exceeded 40C for the first time on record last July, with scientists warning that heatwaves in many parts of the world are becoming more frequent and intense because of climate change.

During last summer’s periods of extreme heat, 2,803 excess deaths were recorded among those aged 65 and older - among a total of 3,271 excess deaths.

Today’s ‘2022 Heatwaves: England’s response and future preparedness for heat risk’ report by PCAN - led by the London School of Economics’ Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment - makes a series of recommendations.

They include issuing updated national and local heatwave policies and guidance, creating “local and regional extreme heat action plans and a national strategy” and boosting communication with the public over potential dangers.

Ms Howarth added: “Our research shows that government needs joined-up thinking when it comes to managing extreme heat in the UK and needs to make large-scale changes to policy beyond the newly-published UKHSA(UK Health Security Agency) Adverse Weather and Health Plan and consider impacts and responses beyond health across society, if we are going to avoid excess deaths, shocks to the economy and breakdown in public services in this and future summers.”

Rail tracks can buckle in the heat (Network Rail)

The British Red Cross’s “climate adaptation” spokeswoman, Ellie Murtagh, said: “While a lot of us in the UK welcome spells of hot weather, we are too often unaware of the damage it can cause.

“Last summer saw record-breaking temperatures impacting communities across the UK, as well as droughts and wildfires affecting many areas.

“We need to be ready for future heatwaves, and this means advanced planning, preparation and early action with a joined-up approach across voluntary and community sector organisations, local government and communities.

“As the research highlights, we need to act now.”

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