Climate change almost certainly lies behind the storms that have been lashing Britain this winter, according to the Met Office’s chief scientist.
Dame Julia Slingo said while there was not yet “definitive proof”, “all the evidence” pointed to a role for the phenomenon.
She also delivered a grim warning that the country should prepare itself for more similar events in future.
The comments came at a briefing for journalists as the latest wave of storms crashed into southern England. It is the strongest link yet made by the Met Office between the intense weather and climate change, and backs David Cameron’s remark last month that he “very much suspects” a connection.
New analysis published by the Met Office blames persistent rainfall over Indonesia and the