A report released on Thursday predicts an increase in heatwaves and rainfall in the United Kingdom, analyzing the impacts of climate warming due to human activities on Britain's climate. The annual report on the state of the British climate, which is based on a database dating back to the 19th century, notes that the likelihood of temperatures reaching 28 degrees Celsius has increased in almost all regions of the UK.
From 1961 to 1990, the average number of days exceeding 28 degrees Celsius in London and Hampshire (southern England) was limited to six or more days, but in the last decade (2014-2023), the probability of reaching this temperature has expanded to most parts of England and Wales, with over 12 days annually in several counties. The number of days with maximum temperatures reaching 20 degrees Celsius rose by 41% in the last decade compared to the period from 1961 to 1990. Additionally, the number of days recording 25 degrees Celsius increased by 63%, while days reaching 28 degrees Celsius more than doubled, and those reaching 30 degrees Celsius increased more than threefold.
While the variability in precipitation amounts was greater than that of temperatures, an increase was observed in the number of wetter days, according to the report published by the British Meteorological Office. The last decade saw approximately a 20% increase in exceptional rainy days compared to the reference period. The year 2023 is reported to be the second hottest year on record in the history of the UK, according to predictions made by the Meteorological Office at the beginning of January, breaking the record set in 2022.
Analyses of these figures conclude that this phenomenon has become more likely due to climate warming caused by human activities, similarly to the record temperatures recorded in June and September 2023. The year 2023 is also noted as the seventh wettest year on record and the twenty-second sunny year. The report highlighted that March, July, October, and December 2023 were among the wettest months in the UK since 1836. As for sea level rise, it continues due to increased melting of sea ice in Greenland and Antarctica, as well as glacier mass loss and rising ocean temperatures.
