‘Freak weather events are new normal’ – MP
ROSSENDALE’S MP insisted it’s time to grasp the reality of climate change after the country was hit by an unprecedented heatwave this week.
It comes after England sizzled in record-breaking heat which surpassed 40C in places, and a major incident was declared in London as blazes raged around the capital.
Closer to home, bin collections were moved in a bid to avoid the worst heat of the day, gritters were put on standby to tackle melting roads, and schools relaxed uniform rules or allowed pupils to wear PE kit following the Met Office’s first ever red weather warning in place for Monday and Tuesday.
While many enjoyed the hot spell, one food business reported their usual lunchtime trade had dried up - blaming customers staying at home, in line with official advice.
As a series of drowning tragedies hit the region, emergency services issued renewed warnings after hundreds of swimmers cooled off at one local beauty spot, while acknowledging their water safety messaging was “unpopular”.
While one MP in his own party reportedly claimed that those taking heatwave precautions were “snowflakes”, Jake Berry warned that the “freak” hot spell was a sign of global warming.
Speaking on Talk TV, Mr Berry said: “It does show us that these freak weather events like flooding, like excess heat, is sadly becoming our new normal with climate change, and that’s why the government must reach forward and grasp both the challenge of climate change, but the opportunity as well.
“Whether that’s creating that green industrial revolution in the north of England, we have to do something to make sure that this new normal that we live in, that the country can cope with it.”
The Department for
Education advised schools not to close, but said clear government guidance was available to help school staff look after children in the hot weather, including the use of ventilation, keeping pupils hydrated and avoiding vigorous physical activity. The outside heat has little impact on schools closing, as long as the inside of the building are kept at a reasonable temperature.
All Saints’ RC High School in Rawtenstall went ahead with its long-awaited end of term sports day plans, but re-scheduled it over two days to avoid the excess afternoon heat. Pupils were also asked to wear full PE kit instead of school uniform.
Speaking on Tuesday, Beryl Cumming, of Clough Head Visitor Centre in Haslingden, said the weather was certainly hotter than they would like. She told the Free Press: “As regards business it’s ok early morning and late afternoon. But it’s affecting our lunchtime trade because people are staying inside. There are fewer dog walkers about as they have been told not to walk their animals.” With the intense heat dissipating on Tuesday, the forecast for the coming days looked more familiar, with temperatures in the low 20s as sunny spells are interspersed with showers.