Extreme weather case study - Summer 2022 Heatwave

Question 1

Where was this hazard?

Answer 1

In the UK

Question 2

When was this event?

Answer 2

19th July 2022

Question 3

What was it?

Answer 3

UK recorded its hottest temperatures ever of 40.3°C in Coningsby in Lincolnshire. Over 34 locations exceeded the UK’s previous temperature of 38.7°C in 2019

Question 4

What caused this heatwave?

Answer 4

1) Heatwaves are generally driven by an increase in pressure systems
2) In July, it was the ‘Azores high’ which usually sits off Spain in the North Atlantic and creates unusual heatwave conditions

Question 5

What is the Azores High?

Answer 5

It comes from 30° North in a high pressure belt where the Hadley and Ferrell cells meet

Question 6

How is the heatwave affected due to climate change? What does this cause?

Answer 6

1) The Azores high pressure belt is expanding due to climate change
* Periods of intense heat occur within natural weather patterns but are becoming more frequent worldwide and more intense
2) Heatwaves last longer due to climate change
* The met office estimates that climate change made the heat wave 10x more likely

Question 7

How did the UK manage this heatwave?

Answer 7

1) Met office issued its first red warning for exceptional heat
2) Gritters were put on roads to stop melting
3) Hammersmith bridge was wrapped in foil to stop it overheating
4) Railway speed was reduced
5) East Coast mainline was closed for trains
6) Some schools in the South East were closed