More long, hot summers on the way
Researchers at Hadley Centre, part of the UK’s Meteorological Office, have predicted that this year’s hot, dry summer will be increasingly typical. According to a report in the FT:
“Europe will experience 50 per cent less rainfall in summer and 30 per cent more rainfall in winter.
The areas around the Mediterranean will be worst hit by the hotter, drier summers, while rainfall in winter will be more likely to come in the form of heavy storms.
. . .
Farmers will also have to grow different crops. Scientists are developing varieties of common crops that are more resistant to drought.
Industry will also be affected. Rising temperatures will mean greater demand for cooling water.
In some northern countries, such as the UK, electricity consumption patterns are already beginning to shift, with more energy being used in summer as air conditioning becomes more popular.
Power generators may have to change the scheduling of their downtime and maintenance, which currently take place in summer.”