Extreme weather is set to become the “new normal”, the National Trust fears.
The country has faced violent storms, a severe drought and record-breaking heat in 2022.
It is a “stark illustration” of what will be typical UK weather without more action on climate change, the Trust warns.
In its annual review, the conservation charity found that this year’s weather had been hugely challenging for nature.
Habitats being scorched by wildfire and ponds and streams drying up hit rare sand lizards, toads and bats. Also, up to half of saplings failed in some areas.
Keith Jones, climate change adviser at the National Trust, said: “Weather experts predict that the future will have more torrential downpours, along with very dry and hot summers, with 2022 setting a benchmark for a ‘typical’ year for weather.
“But the ‘new normal’ is likely to result in even more extreme weather events than now.”
The warning comes as the UK braces for the fallout from the US winter storms with the arrival of wet, windy weather.
Some areas, such as Sutton Gault, in East Cambs, are already flooded, and showers are set to hit most of England and Wales, the Met Office said.
Gusts of up to 40mph along with heavy rainfall could put a dampener on New Year’s Eve celebrations on Saturday.
