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Spring warming faster than other seasons in UK: Report

Data from Nature’s Calendar, a citizen science project by the Woodland Trust, tracks climate impacts through sightings of plants, animals, and fungi.

Spring warming faster than other seasons in UK: Report

The Joint Nature Conservation Committee found that key biological events marking the start of spring are occurring about nine days earlier than 25 years ago. (Representational image: iStock)

SPRING has warmed more than any other season in the UK, with temperatures rising by 1.8 degrees Celsius since 1970, according to a report by Climate Central.

BBC Weather reported that while all four seasons are warming, autumn follows as the second-fastest warming season, with a 1.6-degree Celsius increase.


The Joint Nature Conservation Committee, which advises the UK government, found that key biological events marking the start of spring are occurring about nine days earlier than 25 years ago.

Data from Nature’s Calendar, a citizen science project by the Woodland Trust, tracks climate impacts through sightings of plants, animals, and fungi.

According to Nature’s Calendar, frogspawn sightings in 2024 were the earliest on record, averaging 24 February—17 days earlier than usual.

Alex Marshall from the project said, "Spring is getting earlier due to higher temperatures, particularly at the start of the season."

She noted that warmer winter weather can mislead species like frogs into early reproduction, leaving them vulnerable to late frosts.

BBC Weather also reported that climate change is leading to more extreme weather, affecting seasonal patterns.

Met Office data suggests that for every 1-degree Celsius increase in October temperature, trees shed their leaves two to three days later.

Scientists warn that changing seasonal timings could disrupt the food chain, creating challenges for various species.

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Polls suggest Labour could lose several London boroughs, increasing pressure on Sadiq Khan

Results will also affect London Councils, a cross-party organisation representing the capital's 32 borough councils

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Polls suggest Labour could lose several London boroughs, increasing pressure on Sadiq Khan

Highlights

  • Labour currently controls 21 of 32 London boroughs.
  • Greens favoured in inner London areas like Hackney.
  • Reform UK could surpass Conservatives in outer boroughs.
Labour could lose control of several London boroughs in the upcoming local elections on May 7, according to recent polling data.
This would significantly impact mayor Sadiq Khan's ability to implement policies across the capital.

Labour currently controls 21 of London's 32 town halls. However, a YouGov poll suggests the party will only have the largest vote share in 15 boroughs after the elections.

Analysis from pollsters More in Common shows the Green Party and Reform UK are set to make major gains.

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