Extreme heat becoming more frequent

THE darkening red colours on the climate stripes are being seen in real life as high temperatures become more frequent in the Reading and Wokingham areas in recent decades. Data from the University of Reading’s weather observatory show that seven of the top 10 hottest temperatures have been recorded since the year 2000.

Despite the mercury soaring this week, experts at the University of Reading have clarified that we are not currently experiencing a heatwave.

The definition of a heatwave is when temperatures are above the set threshold for a particular region for three days in a row. The recently updated Met Office threshold for Berkshire is 28°C. Temperatures are forecast to climb to close to this threshold at the end of the week, but may not surpass it on consecutive days.

Dr Liz Stephens, Associate Professor in Climate Risks and Resilience at the University of Reading and jointly affiliated with the Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre, said: “While the high temperatures this week do not meet the official criteria for a ‘heat wave’, it is a timely reminder that we need to raise awareness of how to reduce the severe impacts of extreme heat.

Heat waves are the silent killers of climate change.

“Heat waves in the UK are becoming more frequent and more intense under climate change, and we could experience 40 degree temperatures within the next decade.”

The National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies from around the globe launched the first ever global Heat Action Day to #beattheheat on Tuesday.

A recent report by the British Red Cross called for the UK government to prioritise heat risk planning, for example by mitigating heat risks in urban areas, and to support the people most vulnerable to extreme heat in advance of and during a heat wave.