Great Britain cities face rising extreme heat vulnerability

Research conducted by Ordnance Survey, the Met Office, and 4 Earth Intelligence has identified the cities in Great Britain most susceptible to extreme heat. The study utilized a heat vulnerability index to analyze 71 cities across England, Scotland, and Wales.

Portsmouth has been identified as the most vulnerable city to extreme heat both currently and in the future. Other cities predicted to face the most severe impacts by the end of the century include the City of Westminster, Plymouth, Leicester, and Exeter. The research notes that urban areas can become up to 10C hotter than surrounding rural regions due to the urban heat island effect, where concrete and asphalt absorb solar radiation.

The index suggests that by 2040, all 71 analyzed cities will reach a high level of heat vulnerability, and by the turn of the century, nearly two-thirds could reach the most severe level. Vulnerability is highest in areas with minimal tree cover, green spaces, and waterways.