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UK to see biggest increase in ‘uncomfortably hot’ days in the world as climate change bites.

Researchers warn Britain is ‘dangerously
underprepared’ for the change, which could increase deadly heat health
risks. The UK is likely to see the biggest increase in the number of days
with temperatures of 25°C or more in the world – and it is not prepared
for it, a study suggests.

Researchers at Oxford University forecast that
Britain will see a 30 per cent rise in “uncomfortably hot” days if
global warming exceeds 1.5°C and reaches 2°C, as is expected. This would
be the highest percentage rise in hot days of any country on the planet.

A day becomes uncomfortable when the average mean temperature hits 18°C over
the course of 24 hours. During this time temperatures could, as a rough
guide, “peak at about 25°C, with a low of around 11°C at night” –
although the precise highs and lows around the 18°C average temperature
would vary from day to day, researchers say.

Uncomfortably hot days
typically require “cooling interventions” such as window shutters,
ventilation, fans or air conditioning. MPs on the Environmental Audit
Committee last week began an inquiry into heat and sustainable cooling,
looking at what the UK can learn from other countries, and how it can
protect vulnerable populations from extreme heat – “so there’s definitely
good steps forward in this area”.

Dr Nicole Miranda, of Oxford
University, added: “One large risk [in the UK] is further stressing our
energy grid. If our homes are overheated and the first solution that we run
to is air conditioners. “If we all have air conditioners and if we all
turn them on at the same time that is going to drain our energy systems and
it’s just going to pose a huge stress. I’m not saying there are going to be
shortages but it’s a risk that we need to control.”

iNews 13th July 2023

https://inews.co.uk/news/environment/uk-biggest-increase-uncomfortably-hot-days-world-2476037

July 15, 2023 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | climate change, UK