The State of the UK Climate 2023 report reveals unprecedented changes in weather patterns around the UK. Last year saw sea surface temperatures near the coasts soar to levels never recorded before, with a notable increase of 0.9°C.
This temperature rise is reflective of broader climate shifts, with children today experiencing a significantly hotter and wetter climate than previous generations.
According to the report, the last decade has witnessed a 24% increase in winter rainfall compared to the average from 1961 to 1990.
Additionally, the frequency of “hot” (28°C), “very hot” (30°C), and “extremely hot” (32°C) days has surged dramatically, with the number of “hot” days more than doubling and “very hot” and “extremely hot” days tripling.
Winter rainfall was up 24% over the past decade, reflecting more extreme weather patterns.This shift follows the UK’s record-breaking 40°C temperature in 2022, which prompted closer scrutiny of climate extremes by scientists.
The report also highlights a 20% increase in “very wet” days over the past decade, underscoring the intensifying nature of extreme weather events.
The findings attribute these changes to human activities such as the burning of fossil fuels and industrial practices, which have contributed to a 1.3°C increase in global temperatures since the 1850s. This has made last year’s unusually high temperatures 150 times more likely.
Looking ahead, projections indicate that while 2023 will remain relatively average in comparison to future trends, it will be considered a cooler year by the end of the century.
The increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events are clear indicators of a climate increasingly pushed beyond historical norms. As climate scientist Mike Kendon notes, the urgency for informed decision-making in policy is critical to addressing these challenges.
In a broader context, global heatwaves and weather extremes continue to strain systems worldwide, with Europe recently experiencing severe heat and its consequences.
The report serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing impacts of climate change and the need for continued scientific and policy efforts.