The UK has experienced two unprecedented heatwaves in May and June, with monthly records in England set at 35.1C and 37.7C respectively. The country's changing climate is no longer just a prediction, but a harsh reality, with the last four years being among the hottest on record.
The UK has warmed by about 0.25C per decade since the 1980s, and 2025 was the UK's hottest recorded year, with an average temperature of 10.1C. The number of days above 30C and nights above 18C in Greater London has more than quadrupled compared to the period between 1961 and 1990.
Total sunshine in the UK was 125% of the 1991-2020 average, making it the sunniest year since 1910. Companies such as Marks & Spencer and Eurostar are investing in equipment and infrastructure to withstand higher temperatures. The UK's coast experienced 297 days of marine heatwave conditions in 2025, the most since 1982.
As the UK's climate continues to break records, the country is being forced to confront the reality of a new normal, where extreme weather events are no longer exceptional, but expected. The changing climate is affecting the UK's infrastructure, public safety, economy, and community, with potential impacts on food production, health systems, and transportation.
Scientists are investigating whether a changing Atlantic could bring more volatile weather to the UK. The UK's government and businesses are starting to take measures to mitigate the impacts of the changing climate, but more needs to be done to prepare for the future. The UK's food production and health systems are particularly vulnerable to the changing climate, and the government needs to take concrete steps to address these issues.
The UK's government must adapt to the new normal and find ways to mitigate the impacts of the changing climate. This includes investing in infrastructure, improving public safety, and supporting businesses and communities affected by the changing climate. By taking proactive steps, the UK can reduce the risks associated with the changing climate and create a more resilient and sustainable future.