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    19

    Jul 2023

    Last Updated: 18/07/2023
    Environment
    Environment

    Climate change: sunshine and showers a year after record heat in Harrogate district

    by Vicky Carr

    | 19 Jul, 2023
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    heatwave-2

    What a difference a year makes.

    This time last year, the Harrogate district was baking in record temperatures approaching 40C.

    Last year's hot weather, which came amid warnings about the impact of extreme heat, saw several schools close for the day.

    Some businesses shut their doors, while others only opened for a few hours. Bin collections started early and were called off as the heat increased.

    Dog owners and parents of small children were also out and about earlier than usual, trying to avoid the peak temperatures.

    Paula with her fox red labrador at Hell WathDog walkers were out early before it got too hot

    North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service was among many around the UK to declare a major incident because of the level of demand it was facing. Harrogate and District Foundation Trust also said its services were under higher than usual pressure thanks to the weather.

    However, the trust was also offering a more indulgent way for patients on its wards to keep cool – it handed out ice creams and lollies during the day.

    Care homes were also ensuring elderly and vulnerable residents kept cool and hydrated. Vida Healthcare's chefs made jelly sweets, each containing 20ml of water, to help.

    Today, however, the forecast is for top temperatures of no more than half that figure, with sunshine and showers through the day. The forecast for the coming fortnight remains similar, after heavy rain and thunder storms hit the district this month.

    Heavy showers at last week's Great Yorkshire Show

    Meanwhile, Europe is experiencing an extended heatwave and hitting highs in the mid-40s every day.

    The extreme weather is said to be caused by climate change, with experts predicting we will face more high temperatures in future.

    Mike Kendon from the Met Office said:

    “While the UK has always had periods of warm weather, what climate change does is increase the frequency and intensity of these warm weather events, increasing the likelihood of high temperature records being broken, like we saw for 2022’s annual temperature for the UK.
    “It is particularly telling that of the 12 months of the year, for UK average maximum temperature the records for the warmest months include 2019 (February), 2018 (May), 2015 (December), 2012 (March), 2011 (April), 2011 (November), 2006 (July) and now 2023 (June).
    "Statistics such as this clearly tell us of the changing nature of the UK’s climate and how it is particularly affecting extremes.”