UK summer 2018

• A heatwave is an extended period of hot weather relative to the expected conditions of the area at that time of year
• in 2018, jet streams were higher north than usual so there was high pressure over the UK —> heatwave
• economic impacts of the heatwave

  • 4% rise in revenue for overall businesses
  • ice cream industry = 24% increase in sales
  • burger industry saw a 14.4% rise in sales
  • sausage/BBQ revenue = 5% rise
  • more tourists as people had a staycation - 57% more tourists
  • UK economically gained £31 billion — mostly shopping industry
• social impact of heatwave

  663 deaths in total due to dehydration and heart attacks

  • food prices rose by 5%
  • roads melting and railway tracks bent in London, increasing the risk of train derailings
• environmental impact of the heatwave

  there was a wildfire in Saddleworth Moor, that was able to spread very quickly due to dry plants

  • 18km^2 burnt
  • 3 weeks total burning
  • 150 people evacuated
  • only 15mm rainfall in June
• responses to saddleworth moor fire

  29 fire engines sent out

  100 fire fighters

  military helicopters drop water

  Salvation Army provided food for firefighters
• responses in transport

  Train operators imposed speed restrictions

  Tracks were painted white

  Gritting tracks in standby
• responses in farming

  farmers allowed to take more water for irrigation purposes
• impacts of heatwave on food

  food yields decreases 20% overall

  • onions decreases 50%