UK heatwaves to get MORE intense claims climate change expert

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Over the next 30 years, heat-related deaths in the UK could triple to around 7,000 annually, according to a report by the British Red Cross. The charity warns Brits are dangerously unaware of the risks posed by heat.

In a report published called “Feeling The Heat”, the charity outlines how unprepared the UK is for rising temperatures and how clueless Brits can be over the risks of heatwaves.

The report finds that heatwaves and spells of intense heat have increased in the UK and warns heatwaves will become more frequent and intense in the future.

The report found: “The average length of warm spells have more than doubled in length in the last few decades, and by 2050 the UK will be 50 percent more likely to experience hot summers.

“While heat-related deaths could more than triple to around 7,000 per year.”

The charity warns of a dangerous perception gap when it comes to awareness of the risks posed by heat.

The report asked 2,000 UK adults in June about how they viewed heatwaves and the risks around heat.

Over a quarter of those surveyed said heatwaves were a good thing.

The study found the risks posed by heatwaves were not matched by the level of public concern.

Many see heatwaves as a positive thing, believing forecasts of a heatwave signal a period of good weather.

Over a third 37 percent of those surveyed thought heatwaves weren’t a problem now but will be in the future.

Public perception is dangerously out of touch with the reality of the risks posed by heatwaves the charity says.

In August 2020 heatwaves caused a record 2,556 excess deaths in England.

In August 2020 heatwaves caused a record 2,556 excess deaths in England.

Heatwaves can cause significant disruption. Last year, an extreme water shortage led to over 300 households in West Sussex having no water for five days.

An estimated five million staff days were lost last year, costing the UK economy around £770m.

Despite 60 percent of those surveyed admitting to experiencing at least one adverse effect of hot weather in the UK, 40 percent said they have never seen information on how to protect themselves during a heatwave.

Nine percent said they’d never had advanced warning of a heatwave.

Sian Lloyd, a former TV weather presenter has joined the British Red Cross calling for greater awareness and understanding of the risks associated with rising temperatures.

She said: “The UK is getting hotter. As a result of climate change, heatwaves are becoming longer and more extreme, and many people’s health and wellbeing will continue to suffer as a result.

“We already know that certain groups are more at risk from extreme heat, including people aged over 75, adults with underlying health conditions, children and babies, as well as people living in top floor flats and in built-up urban areas where temperatures are higher.”

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