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The West is getting hotter, faster - but are we ready?

BBC · last updated

Record temperatures, school closures and pressure on hospitals during June’s heatwave have raised questions about whether the West of England is prepared for hotter summers.

Somerset recorded its hottest June day on record when temperatures reached 36.7C in Merryfield, while the Met Office issued a red warning for extreme heat.

The heatwave also brought tropical nights, with temperatures remaining above 20C overnight, making conditions feel even more uncomfortable.

Flights at Bristol Airport were disrupted and businesses closed early as the region coped with the extreme weather.

Scientists say climate change is making heatwaves more common across the UK and warn that hotter summers could become the norm.

But how can our services and infrastructure cope and how prepared are we for more heatwaves?

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