The recent weather pattern in the UK replicated across much of Europe with record temperatures that have been attributed to the cause of death of hundreds if not thousands of people whilst sparking wildfires across the continent. The U.S. is now similarly experiencing a heatwave with extremely high temperatures for much of the population.
The frequency, intensity, and duration of future heatwaves are uncertain; however, the UK has experienced record high daily maximum temperatures three times this century, in part due to global temperatures rising because of climate change.
Building stock and the ventilation systems within them have been severely tested during the latest heatwave. As ambient temperatures subside to more bearable levels, it is a good time to reflect on the performance of our buildings and the effect they have had on their occupants following the first red extreme heat warning issued by the Met Office across parts of the UK earlier in July. Read more