Understand the natural and climate risks affecting your property and prepare for the future with our risk assessments.
People in the UK will experience especially increased risks from heat waves, heavy precipitation and severe wind due to climate change over the next 30 years. These risks, through 2050 and beyond, may change depending on how much we reduce emissions in the near future.
Projected increase in average summer temperatures in the UK by 2050.
Extremely hot days annually by 2050 (compared to around 3 days in 1991–2000).
Projected increase in heavy rainfall events by 2050.
Properties at risk of extreme weather events by 2050.
These projections are based on the widely-accepted RCP4.5 climate scenario, which represents a moderate emissions pathway – with greenhouse gas emissions expected to peak around 2040 and then gradually decline, leading to stabilized concentrations by the end of the century. Our analysis uses advanced climate models, high-resolution satellite data, and machine learning algorithms to provide accurate predictions.
The UK’s varied geography leads to distinct climate risk profiles: northern and western regions (such as Scotland, Wales, and Northern England) are more prone to heavy rainfall, flooding, and landslides, while southern and eastern regions (including Southeast England and East Anglia) face rising threats from heatwaves, drought, and coastal flooding. Our property-specific analysis accounts for these crucial regional differences.
CLIMATIG Score Risk Ratings measure the risk posed by a hazard on a 0-100 scale, based on historical conditions and future projections through 2050. While a lower score indicates reduced risk, it does not mean zero exposure - climate change has complex, interacting local and large-scale effects that impact everyone.
Heatwaves in the UK are becoming increasingly frequent, prolonged, and intense due to climate change. Rising temperatures pose a growing threat to health, wellbeing, and overall quality of life, particularly among vulnerable populations.
Although the UK traditionally has a temperate climate, recent summers have already shown record-breaking heat, with the most significant warming expected during summer months. Projections for 2041–2070 are indicating an average increase of 2.5–3.5°C compared to the baseline period (1961–1990). This significantly increases the risk of heat-related impact on people, infrastructure and property.
When intensive rainfall occurs in a short period, water systems can be overwhelmed, leading to erosion and damaging floods. These events are particularly dangerous after prolonged drought periods when soil has reduced water absorption capacity.
In the UK, while total annual rainfall may not change significantly by 2040, extreme rainfall events are projected to become more intense and more frequent. Many towns and cities, especially in England, Wales, and parts of Scotland, are already experiencing heavier downpours, increasing the risk of surface water and river flooding.
Strong winds are one of the most frequent and impactful weather hazards in the UK, particularly during autumn and winter months. Storms driven by Atlantic weather systems can bring damaging wind gusts, especially to western and coastal regions such as Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales, and the South West of England.
Wind speeds commonly exceed 30 m/s during severe storms, with gusts above 50 m/s recorded in extreme events. While average wind speeds are not projected to rise significantly, the frequency and intensity of severe wind events may increase with climate change. This can lead to disruption of transport networks, power outages, and structural damage to buildings and infrastructure. Coastal and upland regions remain particularly vulnerable to high wind risks, which are also amplified when accompanied by heavy rain or saturated ground conditions.
Rising sea levels combined with powerful storm surges pose a growing threat to the UK’s coastal areas. Low-lying regions along the east and south coasts, such as East Anglia, the Thames Estuary, and parts of the South West, are especially vulnerable. Coastal flooding can lead to severe property damage, erosion of beaches and natural defenses, and long-term impacts on infrastructure and local communities.
Properties located near major rivers like the Thames, Severn, and Ouse are increasingly at risk as more intense rainfall events threaten to overwhelm existing flood defenses. River flooding can lead to widespread damage, particularly in urban and low-lying areas, disrupting transport, utilities, and daily life.
Regions in southern and eastern England, including parts of East Anglia and the South East, are increasingly vulnerable to water scarcity due to reduced summer rainfall and higher temperatures. Prolonged drought can impact property value, especially for agricultural land, and strain local water resources for homes with large gardens or water-intensive landscaping.
Heavy rainfall, coastal erosion, and saturated ground conditions contribute to landslide risks in the UK, particularly in areas with steep slopes like parts of Scotland, the South West, and the Pennines. Climate change is expected to increase landslide risks due to more frequent intense rainfall and coastal retreat.
The UK’s varied landscape means climate risks differ significantly between regions. Our analysis identifies locations with the highest risk levels.
Climate adaptation measures can help protect your property and investment from increasing climate risks.
As temperatures rise, protecting your property from heat becomes increasingly important.
Flooding from extreme rainfall events can cause significant property damage.
Strong winds can have devastating effects on poorly constructed buildings.
Climate risks are increasingly factored into property valuations and insurance premiums. Properties with high exposure to heat waves, flooding, or wind damage may face:
Having a detailed risk assessment helps you make informed decisions, negotiate better insurance terms, and implement targeted adaptation measures to protect your investment.
