Climate change is behind the storms that have struck Britain this winter, according to the Met Office.
Dame Julia Slingo, the Met Office’s chief scientist, said while there was not yet “definitive” proof, “all the evidence” supported the theory that climate change had played a role.
She warned that the country should prepare for similar events in future.
Her comments represented the strongest link so far made by the Met Office between the intense weather and climate change. David Cameron said last month that he “very much suspect[ed]” a connection.
Aerial view of the flooded village of Moorland in Somerset (SWNS)
According to new analysis from the Met Office, persistent rainfall over Indonesia and the tropical West Pacific triggered a global weather system that included the severe storms that have flooded thousands of homes in Britain, as well as the exceptionally cold weather in North America.
“In a nutshell, while there is no definitive answer for the current weather patterns that we have seen, all the evidence suggests that climate change has a role to play in it,” Dame Julia said.
The “clustering and persistence” of storms that have hit the UK was extremely unusual, she added. “We have seen exceptional weather. It is consistent with what we might expect from climate change.”
Ed Davey, the Liberal Democrat Climate Change Secretary, warned that extreme weather events would become more frequent. He said he was working to reach a deal in Europe which would set long term targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
“There is clear scientific evidence that climate change has led to sea levels rising and that extreme weather events will become more frequent and more intense,” Mr Davey said. “The Government is taking out an 'insurance policy’ against these events by continuing to set ambitious greenhouse gas reduction targets.
“But we can’t tackle this effectively on our own. Climate change does not recognise borders, and it’s essential we agree a deal with our European partners.”