2022 Heatwave 'Will Be Average by 2060' Says Met Office

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Summary:

  • Last year's record-breaking UK heatwave could become the average by 2060, and by 2100, it may be cooler than an average year, according to the Met Office's report.
  • The warmest year on record in the UK was 2022, with temperatures reaching 40 degrees centigrade for the first time in history.
  • Human-induced climate change is considered a significant factor behind the extreme heatwave and warming trends.
  • Addressing climate change promptly is crucial, as delaying action will only lead to greater challenges in the future.
  • 2022 also experienced contrasting weather patterns, with periods of drought, followed by some of the wettest years in the 21st century.
  • Substantial snow events have become less frequent since the 1960s, while sunshine hours have seen a slight increase in recent years.

According to the Met Office, last year's record-breaking UK heatwave will be regarded as cool by the end of this century. The Met Office has released a report after last year's extraordinary heatwave with the UK seeing temperatures of 40 degrees centigrade for the first time ever. However, they estimate if carbon emissions are as expected, heatwaves like the one experienced last year will be the average by 2060 and by 2100 it will be cooler than the average year.


Record-breaking Heatwave and Warming Trends

Not only was 2022 the first year in the UK when 40 degrees centigrade was recorded, it was also the warmest year in records back to 1884. The report found that the warmest year on record and July heatwave were potential consequences of human-induced climate change. Mike Kendin, lead author of the report, emphasized the importance of timely action in addressing climate change, stating that the longer we delay, the more challenging the situation will become. Kendin highlighted that elected politicians should base their policy decisions on scientific evidence.

Impacts on Water and Weather Patterns

2022 was also a relatively dry year, with a period between January and August being the driest across England and Wales since 1976, leading to water restrictions that are still in place in some areas. Despite 2022 being a dry year, the report mentions that ten of the wettest years in the UK occurred in the 21st century, with specific months, namely February, April, June, November, and December, experiencing the highest rainfall. On the other hand, the number and severity of substantial snow events have declined since the 1960s, with 2022 being the least snowy year on record. Additionally, the UK witnessed an average of 3% more hours of sunshine between 2013 and 2022.


The Met Office's report underscores the urgency of addressing climate change to prevent more frequent and severe heatwaves in the future. Policymakers are urged to take science-based decisions to mitigate the impact of global warming and safeguard the planet for future generations.

Location: London, UK

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