Recent weather in the UK has raised eyebrows, especially with the heavy rains recorded in 2026. Experts from the Met Office have described the extreme rainfall as a sign that climate change is “happening now.” In areas like south-west England, flooding has led to the closure of rail lines and extensive damage to infrastructure, including the collapse of part of the A379 in Devon.
The River Otter hit an all-time high during Storm Chandra, while Cornwall experienced its wettest winter on record. Dr. Mark McCarthy, a climate scientist at the Met Office, pointed out that human-induced climate change is making winters wetter. As the planet warms, the atmosphere holds more moisture, fueling severe storms.
Dr. Amy Doherty, also from the Met Office, noted that this January saw unprecedented storm intensity. In fact, four weather stations in the south-west set records for their rainiest January day, including Whitebarrow in Devon, which saw 115.1mm of rain in just one day. “The storms have come one after another, and the rain has been relentless,” she said.
The impact of this extreme weather isn’t just a local concern; it’s a growing global issue. According to a report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), weather patterns are becoming more erratic worldwide, making extreme weather events more common. In the last decade, the frequency of heavy rain events has increased by 18% globally, showcasing a troubling trend.
User reactions on social media highlight the urgency many people feel about climate change. Trending hashtags include #ClimateEmergency and #ActOnClimate, indicating that citizens are increasingly aware of the need for action.
Dr. McCarthy urges that we must adapt to reduce the risks of extreme weather and work on mitigation to limit future climate change impacts. He reminds us that winter 2026 serves as a clear signal that we need to rethink our approach to climate action.
For more information on climate change and its impact, visit the Met Office or the IPCC for research and updates on the state of our climate.
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Met Office, climate change, south-west England, Mark McCarthy, Storm Chandra, wettest winter
