Climate Impacts

UK experiences temperatures above 40°C for the first time

22 July 2022

The summer of 2022 in the UK saw numerous temperature milestones breached. On 19th of July, 40.3°C was recorded at Coningsby, Lincolnshire, setting a new UK and England temperature record by a margin of 1.6°C, while multiple stations across England also exceeded 40°C.

“This heatwave marked a milestone in UK climate history, with 40°C being recorded for the first time in the UK.”

“The UK’s recent extreme heat was far more intense and widespread than previous comparable heatwaves”

Reference article:

Source: Met Office
Author: Met Office
Date: 22nd July 2022

A milestone in UK climate history

Sign up now for a regular, short, digestible email summary of what you need to know in the world of climate opinion.

The latest from the Climate Impacts timeline:

Climate Barometer Tracker 18th September 2024

Almost half of Britons have personally experienced heat waves

When asked about their personal experiences of climate impacts, large proportions of the public have experienced heat waves, extreme heat, storms, and flooding. Of these, heat is the most commonly experienced climate impact, with almost half of Britons surveyed saying they had personally experienced it.

Only 28% of people surveyed in the Climate Barometer Tracker in April 2024 said that they ‘have never experienced any of these climate events’.

Climate Barometer Tracker 19th April 2024

Tracker data: What climate impacts are the public concerned about?

In terms of the impacts of extreme weather and climate change-related effects, the public is primarily concerned about: harm towards nature and wildlife, suffering and hardship for the world’s poorest, that their bills and costs may rise, and that some food will become unavailable.

The public tend to see less connection between extreme weather and climate change and the effect on their physical and mental health, or ability to spend time outdoors or travel. Only 12% said they were worried climate change and extreme weather would lead to damage to their home.

Commentary & Analysis 28th November 2023

Making sense of public opinion on climate impacts

People increasingly understand climate change as happening in the ‘here and now’. But there is a long way to go before the severity of climate risks is fully appreciated, and people are fully supported in preparing for and adapting to impacts.

Read the full piece Making sense of public opinion on climate impacts

View Climate Impacts timeline now