How Climate Change is Impacting the Midlands: What You Need to Know

The Midlands is feeling the severe effects of climate change. We’re facing wetter winters, drier summers, and troubling heat waves. Since 2000, floods have increased five-fold, damaging homes and infrastructure, and hurting the economy. If you haven’t thought much about climate change, it’s time to start.

Average temperatures here have been on the rise. In the 20th century, the West Midlands warmed by 0.6°C, and the East Midlands saw an increase of 0.5°C. While that might sound small, it’s making a big difference. Just recently, we’ve noticed an uptick in extremely hot days and erratic weather patterns. For instance, the last few decades have recorded some of the hottest years on record, affecting everything from our crops to our health.

The trend shows it’s getting wetter in winter and drier in summer. The 2020 heatwaves resulted in over 2,500 excess deaths in England. Sadly, many of these were seniors living in the Midlands. The heat exacerbates health risks, especially for the elderly and people with existing conditions, as highlighted in a recent analysis on heatwaves. These extreme temperatures make it difficult for everyone, particularly city dwellers who face the urban heat island effect.

Flooding is another major concern. We’ve seen dramatic increases in flood events across local rivers like the Severn and Wye. The period from October 2022 to March 2024 brought record rainfall, leading to soil erosion and negatively impacting agriculture. Conversely, drought conditions have also emerged. By July 2025, both East and West Midlands were officially in drought after experiencing one of the driest starts to the year since 1976. Reservoirs were critically low, severely limiting water supplies for residents and farmers alike.

Climate change isn’t just an environmental issue; it’s an economic one. Extreme weather disrupts essential services—energy, water, and transportation are often hit hard. A recent study estimated that just three significant weather events from 2017 to 2023 cost the West Midlands over £21 million in damages. All this falls on local taxpayers and those directly affected by flooding or heatwaves.

Agriculture is feeling the heat as well. Farmers face unpredictable weather that damages crops, causes soil erosion, and impacts livestock. The landscape of farming will need to change if we wish to maintain food security and livelihoods in the region. With England being one of the most nature-depleted countries, preserving our environment is vital for combatting climate change.

Looking ahead, projections show temperatures in the Midlands could rise by up to 7.5°C by the end of the century. This could lead to even more heat-related illnesses and deaths. The urban heat island effect could worsen, making cities less livable. Likewise, summers may grow drier by up to 42%, while winters could become 24% wetter. This will have ripple effects on agriculture, flooding, and water supplies across the Midlands.

Additionally, recent data suggests that with just a 4°C rise globally, we could see floods double, affecting more homes in high-risk areas. Vulnerable communities, in particular, will bear the brunt of these changes. Without proactive measures, life in the Midlands could become increasingly difficult.

Despite the daunting forecast, there’s still hope. The Midlands can become a leader in tackling climate change. Our industrial strengths in energy, manufacturing, and technology put us in a good position to innovate and adapt. Acknowledging the reality of climate change now can lead us to solutions that not only mitigate its impacts but also pave the way for new opportunities.

Change is essential, and the sooner we act, the better the outcome will be for everyone. As we face these challenges, collaborative efforts can help us create a sustainable future, ensuring that the Midlands thrives amid climate change.

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