Should the UK name heatwaves like storms?

Dr Andrea Taylor features in an article published by The Conversation UK titled "Should the UK name heatwaves like storms? It won't make people take them more seriously”.

The article discusses research into whether or not there is a need to name extreme heat events similarly to how storms are named in the UK. With heatwaves on the increase due to global warming, Dr Taylor asks whether the UK should follow certain European countries in naming these extreme weather events to help people understand risk to public health.  

Dr Taylor’s research suggests that when naming heatwaves there is only a very small effect on perceived risk and they did not detect any greater intention to take safety precautions. She commented: 

... naming heatwaves risks coming across as sensationalist to some members of the public. This might have the opposite effect, and make people less likely to heed safety messaging about severe heat.

Read the full article: “Should the UK name heatwaves like storms? It won't make people take them more seriously”.