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.

Dog 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.”

Read more:

• Bystanders smash car window to rescue four dogs in Harrogate
• Harrogate hospital records increase in heat-related illnesses

The hosepipe ban across the Harrogate district will remain in place despite today’s heavy rainfall.

Yorkshire Water confirmed it will keep the ban in order to help refill its reservoirs ready for dry weather in spring and summer next year.

A spokesperson for the company said:

“Although we have had some rainfall recently, reservoir levels are still significantly below where we would expect for this time of year and are only around half full.

“Winter is the best chance our reservoirs have to refill and be ready for the warmer and drier months in spring and summer next year.

“We’re grateful to our customers who have been saving water where they can this summer, it’s important that we all continue to do so over winter too. Our teams are out 24/7 fixing leaks and moving water around the region to where it’s needed.

“The hosepipe ban is still in place to help protect the environment and give our reservoirs the best possible chance at returning to healthy levels.”

The Met Office has issued a weather warning for heavy rain across the district today and into tomorrow morning, saying there is the possibility of localised flooding.

Read more:

• Met Office issues weather warning for rain in Harrogate district
• Hosepipe ban introduced for Harrogate district

Meanwhile, extensive surface water has appeared on the Stray in Harrogate and there are reports of small patches of flooding on roads across the district.

One hardy resident was out this morning trying to clear leaves from blocked drains on Leadhall Lane, in an attempt to clear the flooded road between the junctions of Leadhall Road and By-ways.

Spotted a problem caused by the weather? Email us the details to let others know.

Forecasted strong winds and rain have prompted the organisers of artisan markets in Harrogate and Knaresborough to cancel this weekend’s events.

Little Bird Artisan Markets was due to stage its monthly Knaresborough market on Saturday.

The organisers were also planning to hold their first regular monthly market in Harrogate’s Valley Gardens on Sunday after a successful Christmas market trial at the same location in December.

Both markets were fully booked by stallholders.

Winds are predicted to reach up to 44mph in the afternoon on both Saturday and Sunday. Storm Malik brought similarly strong winds seven days ago.

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Organisers say they had little choice but to cancel due to concerns over the safety of stallholders and visitors.

Jackie Crozier, managing director of Little Bird Markets, said:

“We are sad about cancelling. The decision was not made lightly but we really do have to put health and safety first.

“We were expecting a busy weekend, our marketing has been strong and the online buzz about the events has been amazing.

“We hoped the weather was going to improve, but we have just had to cancel, and we are devastated.”

Little Bird Markets will be back in Knaresborough on March 5 and Harrogate Valley Gardens on March 6.