Jan 22, 20242 min read

Storm Isha: How Climate Change is Transforming UK Weather

Storm Isha

As Storm Isha unleashes its fury upon the UK, with winds reaching a staggering 99mph, it prompts contemplation on the role of climate change in shaping this emerging weather pattern. The once-rare occurrence of such intense storms is becoming more prevalent year after year, raising concerns about the evolving climate in the UK.

The UK Climate Landscape

The UK boasts a temperate maritime climate, characterized by cool and mild conditions with unpredictable weather changes. The intersection of warm tropical air and cold arctic air in the atmosphere above us fuels the variability in our weather and contributes to the formation of severe storms.

Climate Change Impact on UK Weather

How will climate change affect the UK? The forecast points towards warmer and wetter winters, hotter and drier summers, and an increase in the frequency and intensity of weather extremes. While the general weather variability will persist, the intensity of certain weather types is expected to change.

Recent climate statistics for the UK reveal a surge in extreme weather events, with records being broken more frequently than in previous decades.

The Records Speak: UK Climate Trends

In 2019, the UK experienced four new national temperature records, highlighting the increasing heat levels. The subsequent year, 2020, brought extreme weather events such as Storms Ciara and Dennis, the wettest February on record, the sunniest spring, and the third-hottest day on record.

Trends over the past decade indicate a rise in temperature extremes, with seven out of the last ten summers reaching temperatures of 34°C, compared to just seven out of the previous fifty summers.

Peering into the Future: UK Climate in 2070

Projections for 2070 suggest a significant shift in climate patterns. Summers are expected to be warmer by 1 to 6°C, with up to 60% less rainfall, leading to drier conditions. Winters, on the other hand, are forecasted to be 1 to 4.5°C warmer with up to 30% more rainfall.

When will the Impact be Evident?

Climate change is already underway, with certain variables taking time to show clear increases beyond natural variability. While there are ranges of possible changes, high emissions scenarios increase the likelihood of record hot temperatures or heavy rainfall events in the future.

A Changed Climate: Observations and Realities

Observations confirm that the UK has warmed by 1°C since the 1950s, evidenced by increased sea temperatures, reduced frost and snow, and a prevalence of longer warm spells. The occurrence of extreme weather events, such as Storm Ciarán in November 2023, further highlights the changing climate landscape.

Storm Ciarán wreaked havoc across Europe, causing casualties and destruction. The tragic incidents, including fatalities and damages, underscore the real and immediate consequences of intensified weather patterns.

As Storm Isha batters the UK, it serves as a poignant reminder of the evolving climate crisis. The intertwining of climate change with our weather patterns necessitates a collective effort to mitigate its impact and adapt to the new normal that is unfolding before us.

January Trends: New Year, New Habits

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16 January 2025

Paul Francis

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January is a month of fresh starts, big plans, and lofty ambitions. After the indulgence of December’s festive season, people around the world embrace January as a time for reinvention, setting new goals, and trying out popular trends. Whether it’s about health, finances, personal growth, or community involvement, January is brimming with activities to shake off the winter blues and kickstart the year.

Here’s a look at some of the most popular trends people dive into during the first month of the year.

1. Veganuary: Going Plant-Based for a Month

Veganuary encourages people to try a vegan lifestyle throughout January. The movement has gained traction in recent years, inviting participants to adopt a plant-based diet and avoid all animal products, including meat, dairy, and eggs.

For some, it’s about ethical considerations for animals. For others, it’s an environmental decision or a chance to improve their health. With more vegan options in supermarkets and restaurants than ever, January has become a prime time to explore this plant-based trend.

Pro Tip: If you’re curious but not ready to go all-in, try "Meatless Mondays" or explore plant-based versions of your favourite dishes.

2. Dry January: A Break from Booze

After the revelry of the holiday season, Dry January offers a chance to take a break from alcohol. The challenge isn’t just about abstaining but also about reflecting on drinking habits and exploring sobriety’s physical and mental benefits.

Many participants report improved sleep, better focus, and weight loss after a month without alcohol. It’s also an excellent opportunity to explore the growing world of non-alcoholic drinks, from mocktails to alcohol-free wines.

Fun Fact: Non-alcoholic drink sales spike in January, with more brands innovating delicious alcohol-free options.

3. New Year’s Resolutions: The Classic Goal-Setting Ritual

No January trend list is complete without mentioning New Year’s resolutions. From getting fit to learning a new skill, millions of people commit to self-improvement at the start of the year.

Common resolutions include:

Joining a gym or starting a fitness program.
Eating healthier or starting a new diet.
Saving money or tackling debt.
Picking up hobbies like painting, cooking, or coding.

Reality Check: Studies suggest most resolutions fizzle out by February. Small, actionable goals tend to be more sustainable than sweeping changes.

4. The 10,000 Steps Challenge

Fitness is a top priority in January, and walking challenges like hitting 10,000 steps a day have become wildly popular. Whether it’s for weight loss, cardiovascular health, or just clearing the mind, walking is an accessible activity that many embrace during the colder months.

Tip for Beginners: If 10,000 steps feels overwhelming, start small—5,000 steps daily can still make a significant difference.

5. Financial Clean-Up: No-Spend January

After December’s holiday splurges, many people use January to reign in their spending. A “No-Spend Challenge” is a growing trend where participants commit to only essential purchases for the month.

This minimalist approach helps reset financial habits, build savings, and encourage mindful consumption. Apps and planners are often used to track progress and identify areas to cut back.

Money-Saving Tip: Meal prepping and cutting back on takeaway coffee are common starting points for budget-conscious Januarys.

6. Mindfulness and Mental Health Focus

For some, January isn’t about physical challenges but mental clarity. Mindfulness practices like meditation, journaling, and gratitude exercises see a surge in popularity as people seek to start the year with a calmer mind.

Apps like Headspace and Calm see their highest downloads in January as users set intentions to prioritize mental health.

7. Decluttering: The “New Year, New Space” Movement

There’s something about starting the year with a clean slate—literally. Decluttering trends inspired by the likes of Marie Kondo or the “Swedish Death Cleaning” method encourage people to purge their homes of unnecessary belongings.

Many take this as an opportunity to donate unused items to charity, making the process as rewarding as it is practical.

8. Joining Community Challenges

January also sees people getting involved in community-focused activities. From volunteering to neighborhood fitness groups, the month is about connecting with others while working on personal goals.

Popular initiatives include charity runs, book clubs, and skill-sharing events. Social media hashtags like #NewYearNewMe help connect like-minded individuals worldwide.

9. Self-Education and Skill Development

Many people take advantage of the quieter January period to pick up a new skill. Online courses, language apps, and educational platforms experience a boom as people commit to expanding their knowledge.

Learning goals might include mastering a new instrument, taking up baking, or even delving into professional certification.

10. The Winter Wellness Movement

Finally, winter wellness trends like cold water therapy, infrared saunas, and vitamin D supplementation became popular in January. These practices aim to combat seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and keep energy levels high during the darker months.

Did You Know? Cold showers have been linked to increased circulation, improved mood, and even better immune response.

Final Thoughts: Embracing January Trends

January is a time of transformation, whether you’re adopting a new habit, exploring a challenge, or simply setting intentions for the year ahead. While not every trend will stick, the month offers a unique opportunity to reflect on what matters most and take steps—big or small—toward a better year.

The key to navigating January trends is to pick ones that resonate with your values and goals. Whether you’re giving up meat, ditching alcohol, or simply clearing out a junk drawer, every little effort counts toward making the new year brighter.

Here’s to a January full of meaningful starts!