National Climate Impacts, Risk and Adaptation Meeting in Leeds

The WS1 team from the University of Leeds, Professor Cathryn Birch and Dr Carly Reddington, presented a poster on their analysis of past and future UK humid heatwaves at the National Climate Impacts, Risk and Adaptation Meeting in Leeds (8–9 September 2026). The presentation showcased an assessment of UK humid heatwave events from 1980 to 2026, featuring detailed case studies of the July 2022 and June 2026 heatwaves alongside preliminary projections of future humid heatwave risk using UKCP18 climate model data.

The WS1 team poster generated valuable cross-sector discussions with climate and energy researchers, including colleagues from the Met Office and Newcastle University, around the challenges humid heatwaves pose to national energy systems. 

Key topics included the consequences of potential power outages during extreme heat and humidity events, alongside escalating impacts on cooling and air-conditioning demand. 

Further discussions with University of Bristol researchers focused on the health impacts of humid heatwaves, highlighting the broad relevance of this work and opening several promising avenues for future research collaboration.