
45C Month-Long Heatwaves Possible in UK by 2037, Met Office Says
The UK Met Office has issued a stark warning about the escalating risk of extreme heatwaves due to climate change. Their latest findings indicate that the probability of temperatures reaching 40°C in the UK has increased significantly. While the chance of such extreme heat was negligible in the 1960s, it has now risen to approximately 4.2% annually as of 2023, and projections suggest it could reach a 50% likelihood within the next 12 years .
Moreover, the Met Office’s climate models suggest that under current conditions, peak temperatures could soar to 46.6°C, though such extremes would be rare. The southeast of England, traditionally the hottest region, may experience up to 63 hot days annually, compared to 39 in 1995 .
These projections underscore the urgent need for comprehensive climate action and adaptation strategies to mitigate the impacts of rising temperatures on public health, infrastructure, and the environment.