What's happened
The UK is experiencing its third heatwave of 2025, with temperatures reaching up to 33°C and record-breaking heat in parts of the country. The heat is expected to persist into mid-August, with warnings of drought and health impacts. Cooler weather is forecast for next week, but climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of such events.
What's behind the headline?
The UK’s ongoing heatwave underscores the tangible impacts of climate change, which has made such extreme weather events more frequent and intense. The current heatwave, the third of 2025, is driven by persistent high-pressure systems that trap warm air over the UK. This pattern is expected to continue, with models indicating a possible extension into mid-August. The increasing frequency of heatwaves, coupled with record-breaking temperatures, signals a new normal that will strain health services, water supplies, and infrastructure. The drought conditions, with hosepipe bans affecting millions, highlight the urgent need for adaptation strategies. While some forecasts suggest a temporary respite, the overall trend points to more severe and prolonged heat events, making climate resilience a critical priority for policymakers and communities alike.
What the papers say
The Independent reports that the UK is experiencing its third heatwave of 2025, with temperatures reaching up to 33°C and record-breaking heat in parts of the country. Forecasters warn that the heat could persist into mid-August, with drought warnings affecting millions due to the driest spring since 1893. BBC News highlights that the heatwave is likely to peak at 34°C, with warnings of very high UV and pollen levels, and that cooler weather is expected to arrive next week. Both sources emphasize the increasing frequency and severity of heatwaves, attributing this trend to climate change, which has made such events 20 times more likely since the 1960s, according to the Met Office. The Guardian notes that the likelihood of exceeding 40°C has increased significantly, with climate scientists warning that such extreme temperatures will become more common, impacting health, agriculture, and infrastructure.
How we got here
The UK has experienced multiple heatwaves this summer, driven by high-pressure systems and climate change. Record temperatures, including the UK's highest of 40.3°C in 2022, have become more frequent, with climate scientists warning that such extreme events are now more likely due to human-induced warming. Drought conditions have led to hosepipe bans across several regions, exacerbating water shortages.
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