Recent analysis from the UK Met Office highlights a significant increase in extreme weather patterns, particularly concerning high temperatures and heavy rainfall. The annual State of the Climate report indicates that 2023 has seen a marked rise in the number of extremely hot days across the country. This trend is alarming, as it suggests that the UK is experiencing not only more hot days but also more days with heavy rainfall, as exemplified by the severe conditions brought by Storm Babet in October of the previous year.

The report reveals that the frequency of “pleasant” days, defined as those with temperatures of 20 degrees Celsius or higher, has risen by 40% over recent decades. Additionally, the UK has become 9% sunnier during this time. While these changes may seem beneficial at first glance, they pose serious risks to ecosystems and infrastructure. For instance, between 1961 and 1990, only London and Hampshire recorded six or more days annually with temperatures exceeding 28 degrees Celsius. In contrast, the most recent decade has seen nearly all of England and Wales experiencing this many hot days, with the South East now averaging over 12 such days each year.

Rainfall patterns have also shifted, although they are more variable than temperature changes. The Met Office’s analysis indicates a 20% increase in the frequency of the wettest days, based on the top 5% of rainfall days from 1961 to 1990. This trend is concerning, as it suggests that extreme rainfall events are becoming more common, which can lead to flooding and other related issues. Mike Kendon, the lead author of the report, emphasizes that these statistics illustrate a clear reality: the climate is already changing, not just in the future.

The year 2023 has been particularly notable, being the second warmest year on record for the UK, with June marking the hottest month ever recorded. Several months, including February, May, June, and September, ranked among the top ten warmest in the UK’s recorded history. The Met Office attributes these temperature extremes to human-induced climate change, noting that there have been virtually no new records for cool weather in recent years. This trend underscores the urgency of addressing climate change, as the frequency of record-breaking warm temperatures has increased rapidly.

Extreme weather events have had profound impacts on communities, straining healthcare systems and disrupting daily life. The report highlights significant occurrences, such as seven consecutive days of temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius in September, a first for the UK. Storm Babet was particularly impactful, causing widespread flooding and damage. As the world grapples with climate change, scientists warn that without substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, extreme weather events will continue to intensify and occur more frequently, posing further challenges for societies worldwide.

Original news source: UK getting more hot and more wet days – Met Office (BBC)

🎧 Listen:

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📖 Vocabulary:

Group or Classroom Activities

Warm-up Activities:

– CHARADES
Instructions: Divide the class into small groups. Each group will take turns acting out extreme weather events (e.g., a heavy rainstorm, a heatwave, flooding) without speaking, while the other groups guess the event. This will encourage vocabulary acquisition related to climate change and weather phenomena.

– OPINION POLL
Instructions: Create a set of statements regarding climate change and extreme weather (e.g., “Climate change is the biggest threat to society today”). Have students walk around the classroom and ask their peers to agree or disagree with each statement. They can record responses and discuss the results as a class.

– HEADLINE CREATION
Instructions: Provide students with snippets of information from the article. They will work in pairs to create catchy headlines that summarize the main points of the article about climate change and extreme weather in the UK. Afterward, students will share their headlines with the class.

– PAS THE STORY
Instructions: Start a story with a sentence related to extreme weather (e.g., “The day began with an unexpected heatwave in London”). Each student will add one sentence to the story, building on the previous student’s contribution. This activity will help students practice their storytelling and collaborative writing skills.

– SYNONYM CHALLENGE
Instructions: Prepare a list of key vocabulary words from the article (e.g., extreme, rainfall, temperature, climate). In pairs, students will take turns providing synonyms for each word. If a student cannot think of a synonym, their partner can help. Afterward, discuss the words and their nuances as a class.

🤔 Comprehension Questions:

1. What significant changes in extreme weather patterns have been reported by the UK Met Office?
2. How has the frequency of “pleasant” days changed in the UK over recent decades?
3. What implications do the rising temperatures and increased rainfall have for ecosystems and infrastructure?
4. What percentage increase in the frequency of the wettest days has been observed according to the Met Office’s analysis?
5. In what ways has the year 2023 been notable in terms of temperature records for the UK?
6. How does the report characterize the relationship between human activities and temperature extremes?
7. What specific impacts have extreme weather events had on communities, as highlighted in the report?
8. What warnings do scientists provide regarding the future of extreme weather events in relation to greenhouse gas emissions?
Go to answers ⇩

🎧✍️ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

Recent analysis from the UK Met Office highlights a significant increase in extreme weather patterns, particularly concerning high temperatures and heavy rainfall. The annual State of the Climate report indicates that 2023 has seen a marked rise in the number of extremely hot days across the country. This trend is alarming, as it suggests that the UK is experiencing not only more hot days but also more days with heavy rainfall, as exemplified by the severe conditions brought by Storm Babet in October of the previous year.

The report (1)______ that the frequency of “pleasant” days, (2)______ as those with temperatures of 20 degrees (3)______ or (4)______, has risen by 40% over recent decades. Additionally, the UK has become 9% sunnier during this time. While these changes may seem beneficial at first glance, they pose serious (5)______ to ecosystems and infrastructure. For instance, between 1961 and 1990, only London and Hampshire recorded six or more days annually with temperatures exceeding 28 degrees Celsius. In contrast, the most recent decade has seen nearly all of England and Wales experiencing this many hot days, with the South East now averaging over 12 such days each year.

Rainfall patterns have also shifted, although they are more variable than temperature changes. The Met Office’s analysis indicates a 20% (6)______ in the frequency of the wettest days, based on the top 5% of (7)______ days from 1961 to 1990. This trend is (8)______, as it suggests that extreme rainfall events are becoming more common, which can lead to flooding and other related issues. Mike Kendon, the lead author of the report, emphasizes that these statistics illustrate a clear reality: the climate is already changing, not just in the future.

The year 2023 has been particularly notable, being the (9)______ warmest year on record for the UK, with June marking the hottest month ever (10)______. Several months, including February, May, June, and September, ranked among the top ten warmest in the UK’s recorded history. The Met Office attributes these temperature (11)______ to human-induced climate change, noting that there have been virtually no new (12)______ for cool weather in recent years. This trend underscores the urgency of addressing climate change, as the (13)______ of record-breaking warm temperatures has (14)______ rapidly.

Extreme weather events have had profound impacts on communities, straining healthcare systems and disrupting daily life. The report highlights significant occurrences, such as seven consecutive days of temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius in September, a first for the UK. Storm Babet was particularly impactful, causing widespread flooding and damage. As the (15)______ grapples with climate change, scientists warn that without substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, extreme weather events will continue to intensify and occur more frequently, posing (16)______ challenges for societies worldwide.
Go to answers ⇩

💬 Discussion Questions:

Students can ask a partner these questions, or discuss them as a group.

1. What is your opinion on the impact of climate change on daily life in your country?
2. How would you feel if you experienced a week of extremely high temperatures in your city?
3. Do you think that extreme weather events are becoming more common in your region? Why or why not?
4. What is a personal experience you have had with extreme weather, and how did it affect you?
5. How do you think communities can better prepare for the effects of climate change?
6. Do you like hot weather, or do you prefer cooler temperatures? Why?
7. How would you feel if you had to adapt your lifestyle due to increasing temperatures and heavy rainfall?
8. Do you think governments are doing enough to address climate change? Why or why not?
9. What is a solution you believe could help mitigate the effects of climate change in your area?
10. How do you think climate change affects different socioeconomic groups in society?
11. Do you think that public awareness about climate change is sufficient? Why or why not?
12. What is a climate-related issue that you believe should receive more attention in the media?
13. How would you feel if your city experienced a major flooding event due to extreme rainfall?
14. Do you think individuals can make a significant impact on combating climate change? Why or why not?
15. What is a change you have made in your life to reduce your carbon footprint, and how did it affect you?

Individual Activities

📖💭 Vocabulary Meanings:

Match each word to its meaning.

Words:
1. analysis
2. exemplified
3. infrastructure
4. frequency
5. variable
6. concerning
7. emphasizes
8. profound
9. consecutive
10. substantial
11. reductions
12. emissions
13. intensify
14. grapples
15. urgency

Meanings:
(A) The need for immediate attention or action
(B) Following one after another without interruption
(C) Struggles or deals with a difficult problem
(D) The act of making something smaller or less in amount
(E) Having a deep or significant impact
(F) Likely to change or vary; not consistent
(G) The basic physical and organizational structures needed for the operation of a society
(H) A detailed examination or study of something
(I) Stresses or highlights the importance of something
(J) To become more intense or severe
(K) Large in amount or degree
(L) The act of releasing something, especially gas or radiation
(M) Causing worry or anxiety
(N) The rate at which something occurs over a particular period
(O) Shown or illustrated by example
Go to answers ⇩

🔡 Multiple Choice Questions:

1. What has the recent analysis from the UK Met Office highlighted?
(a) A significant increase in extreme weather patterns
(b) A decrease in rainfall
(c) A rise in cool weather records
(d) A decline in temperature extremes

2. What percentage increase in “pleasant” days has been observed in the UK over recent decades?
(a) 20%
(b) 30%
(c) 50%
(d) 40%

3. What severe weather event is mentioned as an example of increased heavy rainfall?
(a) Hurricane Katrina
(b) Storm Babet
(c) Typhoon Haiyan
(d) Cyclone Idai

4. How much sunnier has the UK become over recent decades according to the report?
(a) 5%
(b) 9%
(c) 15%
(d) 12%

5. What trend has been observed regarding the frequency of the wettest days in the UK?
(a) A 20% increase
(b) A 10% decrease
(c) A 15% decrease
(d) No change

6. What year is noted as the second warmest year on record for the UK?
(a) 2022
(b) 2021
(c) 2020
(d) 2023

7. Which month in 2023 was marked as the hottest month ever recorded in the UK?
(a) July
(b) August
(c) June
(d) May

8. What is the primary cause attributed to the temperature extremes observed in the UK?
(a) Natural climate cycles
(b) Volcanic activity
(c) Human-induced climate change
(d) Solar radiation changes

Go to answers ⇩

🕵️ True or False Questions:

1. The UK Met Office’s annual State of the Climate report indicates a significant increase in extreme weather patterns in the UK, particularly high temperatures and heavy rainfall.
2. The South East of England now averages under 12 days each year with temperatures exceeding 28 degrees Celsius, a significant decrease from previous decades.
3. Storm Babet, which occurred in October of the previous year, brought severe weather conditions to the UK, highlighting the increase in heavy rainfall.
4. The Met Office attributes the recent temperature extremes to human-induced climate change, noting a lack of new records for cool weather in recent years.
5. The frequency of “pleasant” days, defined as those with temperatures of 20 degrees Celsius or higher, has increased by 40% over recent decades.
6. The year 2023 has been noted as the coldest year on record for the UK.
7. The analysis shows a 20% decrease in the frequency of the wettest days based on the top 5% of rainfall days from 1961 to 1990.
8. Extreme weather events, such as prolonged periods of high temperatures and severe storms, have not strained healthcare systems and disrupted daily life in communities across the UK.
Go to answers ⇩

📝 Write a Summary:

Write a summary of this news article in two sentences.

Writing Questions:

Answer the following questions. Write as much as you can for each answer.

1. What alarming trends regarding temperature and rainfall patterns have been identified in the UK according to the recent analysis from the UK Met Office?
2. How has the frequency of “pleasant” days changed over recent decades, and what implications does this have for ecosystems and infrastructure?
3. What specific extreme weather events are mentioned in the article, and what impacts have they had on communities in the UK?
4. According to Mike Kendon, what does the analysis from the Met Office reveal about the current state of climate change?
5. What actions do scientists suggest are necessary to mitigate the intensifying effects of extreme weather events linked to climate change?

✅ Answers

🤔✅ Comprehension Question Answers:

1. What significant changes in extreme weather patterns have been reported by the UK Met Office?
The UK Met Office has reported a significant increase in extreme weather patterns, particularly concerning high temperatures and heavy rainfall, with a marked rise in the number of extremely hot days and more days with heavy rainfall.

2. How has the frequency of “pleasant” days changed in the UK over recent decades?
The frequency of “pleasant” days, defined as those with temperatures of 20 degrees Celsius or higher, has risen by 40% over recent decades.

3. What implications do the rising temperatures and increased rainfall have for ecosystems and infrastructure?
The rising temperatures and increased rainfall pose serious risks to ecosystems and infrastructure, potentially leading to issues such as flooding and damage to facilities.

4. What percentage increase in the frequency of the wettest days has been observed according to the Met Office’s analysis?
The Met Office’s analysis indicates a 20% increase in the frequency of the wettest days, based on the top 5% of rainfall days from 1961 to 1990.

5. In what ways has the year 2023 been notable in terms of temperature records for the UK?
The year 2023 has been notable as the second warmest year on record for the UK, with June marking the hottest month ever recorded, and several months ranking among the top ten warmest in recorded history.

6. How does the report characterize the relationship between human activities and temperature extremes?
The report attributes the temperature extremes to human-induced climate change, noting that there have been virtually no new records for cool weather in recent years.

7. What specific impacts have extreme weather events had on communities, as highlighted in the report?
Extreme weather events have strained healthcare systems and disrupted daily life, with significant occurrences such as seven consecutive days of temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius and widespread flooding caused by Storm Babet.

8. What warnings do scientists provide regarding the future of extreme weather events in relation to greenhouse gas emissions?
Scientists warn that without substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, extreme weather events will continue to intensify and occur more frequently, posing further challenges for societies worldwide.
Go back to questions ⇧

🎧✍️✅ Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:

(1) reveals
(2) defined
(3) Celsius
(4) higher
(5) risks
(6) increase
(7) rainfall
(8) concerning
(9) second
(10) recorded
(11) extremes
(12) records
(13) frequency
(14) increased
(15) world
(16) further
Go back to questions ⇧

📖💭✅ Vocabulary Meanings Answers:

1. analysis
Answer: (H) A detailed examination or study of something

2. exemplified
Answer: (O) Shown or illustrated by example

3. infrastructure
Answer: (G) The basic physical and organizational structures needed for the operation of a society

4. frequency
Answer: (N) The rate at which something occurs over a particular period

5. variable
Answer: (F) Likely to change or vary; not consistent

6. concerning
Answer: (M) Causing worry or anxiety

7. emphasizes
Answer: (I) Stresses or highlights the importance of something

8. profound
Answer: (E) Having a deep or significant impact

9. consecutive
Answer: (B) Following one after another without interruption

10. substantial
Answer: (K) Large in amount or degree

11. reductions
Answer: (D) The act of making something smaller or less in amount

12. emissions
Answer: (L) The act of releasing something, especially gas or radiation

13. intensify
Answer: (J) To become more intense or severe

14. grapples
Answer: (C) Struggles or deals with a difficult problem

15. urgency
Answer: (A) The need for immediate attention or action
Go back to questions ⇧

🔡✅ Multiple Choice Answers:

1. What has the recent analysis from the UK Met Office highlighted?
Answer: (a) A significant increase in extreme weather patterns

2. What percentage increase in “pleasant” days has been observed in the UK over recent decades?
Answer: (d) 40%

3. What severe weather event is mentioned as an example of increased heavy rainfall?
Answer: (b) Storm Babet

4. How much sunnier has the UK become over recent decades according to the report?
Answer: (b) 9%

5. What trend has been observed regarding the frequency of the wettest days in the UK?
Answer: (a) A 20% increase

6. What year is noted as the second warmest year on record for the UK?
Answer: (d) 2023

7. Which month in 2023 was marked as the hottest month ever recorded in the UK?
Answer: (c) June

8. What is the primary cause attributed to the temperature extremes observed in the UK?
Answer: (c) Human-induced climate change
Go back to questions ⇧

🕵️✅ True or False Answers:

1. The UK Met Office’s annual State of the Climate report indicates a significant increase in extreme weather patterns in the UK, particularly high temperatures and heavy rainfall. (Answer: True)
2. The South East of England now averages under 12 days each year with temperatures exceeding 28 degrees Celsius, a significant decrease from previous decades. (Answer: False)
3. Storm Babet, which occurred in October of the previous year, brought severe weather conditions to the UK, highlighting the increase in heavy rainfall. (Answer: True)
4. The Met Office attributes the recent temperature extremes to human-induced climate change, noting a lack of new records for cool weather in recent years. (Answer: True)
5. The frequency of “pleasant” days, defined as those with temperatures of 20 degrees Celsius or higher, has increased by 40% over recent decades. (Answer: True)
6. The year 2023 has been noted as the coldest year on record for the UK. (Answer: False)
7. The analysis shows a 20% decrease in the frequency of the wettest days based on the top 5% of rainfall days from 1961 to 1990. (Answer: False)
8. Extreme weather events, such as prolonged periods of high temperatures and severe storms, have not strained healthcare systems and disrupted daily life in communities across the UK. (Answer: False)
Go back to questions ⇧