The future for Kent
Kent’s geographical location, long coastline and population
density means that it is likely to suffer from some of the severest
impacts of climate change in the United Kingdom.
Key findings from the UK Climate Projections 2009 for the
South East suggest that by 2050:
- Winters are likely to be warmer by around 2.2°C.
- Summers are likely to be hotter by around 2.8°C.
- The hottest summer days could increase by up to 3.7°C.
- Summer night time temperatures are likely to increase by
3°C.
- Winter rainfall is likely to increase by 16%.
- Summer rainfall is likely to decrease by 19%.
The maps above are from the UK Climate Projections 2009 and
show how our annual average temperature is likely to change over
the 21st century, based on a medium scenario of greenhouse gas
emissions.
To see climate change scenarios based on low and high emissions,
or to see maps for other climate variables, please refer to
the UK
Climate Projections website.
These findings indicate Kent’s increasing vulnerability to
extreme weather events, with:
- More ‘very hot’ days (the 2003 heatwave will be considered an
average temperature by the 2040s)
- More intense downpours of rain (flash flooding)
- Increased flood events (at least 8.5% of Kent’s population are
already at risk)
- Increased risk of coastal flooding
- Changes in storminess and high winds.
How will climate change affect life in Kent?
As can be seen above, with wetter milder winters, hotter drier
summers and sea level rise, the extreme weather events of the past
will become more common in the future and in a lot of cases be
considered mild!
As such we need to reduce the negative impacts facing Kent and
maximise the opportunities that a changing climate can bring.
For details and further information on how to prepare for
climate change, please see our ‘Preparing
for severe weather’ page.