The Met Office has issued a report indicating that the UK's climate is experiencing a lasting change, with weather extremes becoming the new standard. The study shows that southern England's hottest days are now on average 4.5 degrees Celsius warmer than the 1961-1990 baseline. Recent years have consistently ranked among the warmest in recorded history, with four of the last five years noted for exceptional heat. This data reflects a clear departure from the stable climate conditions that defined the 20th century.
Lead researcher Mike Kendon highlights that these shifts represent a rapid and significant environmental transformation affecting the UK. The findings suggest that what were once considered rare weather events are now regularly occurring, signaling a permanent adjustment in the British climate. This ongoing change continues to impact both the natural environment and daily life across the country.