Abstract
This study examines trends and regional variability of extreme heat events across five UK cities; London, Southampton, Birmingham, Hull, and Newcastle over the decade 2014-2024. Using hourly temperature and air pollution data from the UK Met Office and local air pollution monitoring sources. The study pursued three objectives: (1) to characterised extreme hot days, and heatwave events; (2) to explore correlations between extreme heat and major air pollutants; and (3) to inform understanding of climate evolution, including potential refinements of heatwave thresholds and implications for vulnerable groups. London consistently recorded the highest frequency and intensity of extreme heat, with 124 extreme hot days and 17 heatwaves, including the UK’s record temperature of 40.2 °C on 19 July 2022. Heatwaves were concentrated in the summer months but frequently extended into early autumn, spanning June through September, with peak years in 2018 and 2022. Strong correlations emerged between extreme heat and elevated ozone levels, with secondary associations involving particulate matter (PM₂.₅ and PM₁₀), and nitrogen dioxide, depending on local emission sources and atmospheric conditions. Coastal cities displayed enhanced ozone formation, while Birmingham exhibited elevated PM₁₀ linked to industrial and construction activity. These findings highlight both regional contrasts and nationwide intensification of heat extremes, with important implications for public health, urban planning, and air quality management. Future work will focus on quantifying health impacts in vulnerable populations, refining heatwave thresholds, and integrating climatic–pollution interactions into risk assessments.
Presenters
Chuleekorn TanathitikornResearch Fellow, Department of Geography and Environmental Science, Faculty of Engineering and Environment, Northumbria University, United Kingdom
Details
Presentation Type
Theme
KEYWORDS
Heatwaves, Extreme hot days, Heatwave threshold, Regional Variation, Air pollution
