The very timely book explores what the writer calls the ‘new science’ of the role of climate in our weather and explains how scientists can now quantify humanity’s role in extreme weather. The writer refers to the UK’s extreme weather and its commitment to becoming carbon neutral. The Prologue offers an excellent recap of the fundamentals of climate change, supported with evidence. Part 1: A New Branch of Research attempts to define extreme weather and provides a useful summary of how UK weather has become more extreme. Chapters 4 and 5 are key: both analyse the role of climate change in extreme weather, with Chapter 5 focusing on particular types of extreme weather and how climate change creates it. This is an accessible book which can provide stretch and challenge for GCSE students and above, as well as good support for teachers, both specialist and non-specialist.

This Met Office resource summarises extreme weather events going back to 1990. Students will see that UK weather is becoming more extreme by the number of events recorded each year. For example, by July 2022, five severe storms had already been listed, as well as the unprecedented heatwave in July. Before 2014, some years recorded only two events for the year. This statistic supports the view that we are entering a warming period that is upsetting the balance of our weather systems and that these events look set to continue. An excellent range of geographical information is provided through maps, climate graphs, satellite images and metrological charts to support students’ practice interpreting geographical data (GCSE and A-level). Students can use this site for independent research and do compare and contrast activities on the effects of storms and flood events. 

A detailed and authoritative report on Storm Eunice, ideal for students of any Key Stage when creating a case study of a UK extreme weather event. The main thread analyses the UK’s resilience to extreme weather. Students can reach their own conclusions by exploring the effects and responses to the storm and suggesting ways to improve. The storm is described as ‘one of the many more depressions caused by global warming’. Starting in the Southwest, the report moves to Wales and onto London. In each area, storm footage and personal testimony reveal the extent of the damage caused. The report interviews the Environment Secretary, regional rescue services and local governments and shows the level of cross-agency communication and real-time data provided by the Met Office to guide response. 

This BBC and Met Office resource reveals an excellent range of geographical data on how climate change will affect postcode areas and the mid-point of a range of possibilities based on the Met Office’s most recent modelling projections. The methodology is explained at the end of the resource. The data is presented in various ways, including pictograms, choropleth maps and graphs, giving students practice interpreting a range of geographical data (GCSE AO4 and A-level AO2). KS3 students would also benefit from this resource in units on Weather and Climate and Natural Hazards. An interesting independent task could be for students to hypothesise about the differences between regions and test this through the resource.

An explanation of how and why Britain's weather can change significantly and become extreme in certain circumstances.