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01/09/2006
Heat waves to become 'hotter and more frequent'
Heat waves in Europe are likely to become hotter and much more frequent during the course of this century, the Met Office has warned.
Research by the Met Office's Hadley Centre suggested that European heat waves could become hotter by between 4 and 10 C – an increase greater than that expected for normal summer days.
The research, published in the Journal of Climate, stated that extreme summer temperatures are expected to increase if atmospheric CO2 concentration doubles, as it is expected to over the course of the century.
North and South American would also be affected, as well as East Asia, the researchers claimed.
In the UK, severe heat waves lasting five days or more, such as that which occurred in July, currently happen around once every 20 years. However, the research suggested that, by 2100, such heat waves were likely to occur almost every year and could even occur several times each summer.
Met Office scientists also examined possible mechanisms behind the increases, suggesting that drier soils resulting from drier summers and reduced cooling at night were largely responsible.
(KMcA/SP)
Research by the Met Office's Hadley Centre suggested that European heat waves could become hotter by between 4 and 10 C – an increase greater than that expected for normal summer days.
The research, published in the Journal of Climate, stated that extreme summer temperatures are expected to increase if atmospheric CO2 concentration doubles, as it is expected to over the course of the century.
North and South American would also be affected, as well as East Asia, the researchers claimed.
In the UK, severe heat waves lasting five days or more, such as that which occurred in July, currently happen around once every 20 years. However, the research suggested that, by 2100, such heat waves were likely to occur almost every year and could even occur several times each summer.
Met Office scientists also examined possible mechanisms behind the increases, suggesting that drier soils resulting from drier summers and reduced cooling at night were largely responsible.
(KMcA/SP)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
