June 2026 - heatwaves

MESSAGE FROM SANJAY – 

I hope you’re all staying cool. 

This recent heatwave has stirred some thoughts for me. Something that has become increasingly clear through my conversations with communities up and down the country, is that flooded people are seeing our climate change with their own eyes, becoming the frontline experts of experiencing its effects. 

For many, climate extremes are no longer a matter of abstract or hypothetical debates about something that might happen in the future. They are living through these changes now and have felt the effects for many years. 

Prolonged periods of hot weather like this bring stress for flooded people, as gruelling heatwaves are followed by the possibility of intense thunderstorms. Historically many may have assumed or thought that flooding is something to think about, prepare for, and mitigate during the winter. Our current weather is putting this idea to rest. The summer creates its own anxieties.

This changing pattern is creating a different kind of emotional burden. For people who have already experienced flooding, a spell of hot weather is no longer simply something to enjoy (or in this case get through). Instead, many find themselves watching the sky, checking weather forecasts and wondering what will come next. The fear doesn’t disappear when the floodwater goes away, it evolves into a state of mind that is ever watchful, ever prepared and ever anxious.

We’ve seen this reflected repeatedly in the people we support. With this heatwave, we saw flash flooding events in Somerset and in London, with possibly more areas experiencing these intense rainfall events. Our mutual aid group has had flooded people describing the anxiety that builds whenever forecasts predict thunderstorms after prolonged hot weather. 

Checking in on one another and knowing that it is ok to think about flooding when it is so hot is so crucial in aiding people who are suffering from fear. For many  who have lived through flooding in these types of periods before, every weather warning now carries a personal meaning.

Flash flooding in South London provided another stark reminder. Following intense thunderstorms, emergency services responded to many incidents, as roads, homes and transport networks were overwhelmed by rapidly accumulating floodwater. Events like these demonstrate how quickly extreme weather can develop and the very real impacts it has on people’s lives. 

Weather extremes appear to be occurring more frequently across the UK. Those who have been flooded are on the frontline of understanding and shaping how we ensure that we adapt to this new ‘now’. They don't discuss the why and the maybes of these weather patterns. Their lived experience provides invaluable insight into how it has never been more important that we look to reduce the impacts of these events before more people are affected and join this cycle of anxiety. These are everyday realities that shape how we live, plan and prepare for the future.

As Louis explained in the last newsletter, we have a lot of data and evidence about how much it would cost to stop this getting worse. We know what to do. The government knows what to do. We’re all experiencing changes as we retrofit our houses from flood resilience to heat resilience. 

I hope you all find ways to cool down and don’t forget, we’re here for you.

MESSAGE FROM SAM NICHOLLS, DIGLIS FLAG

The Flood and Coast Conference brings together a remarkable cross-section of people with expertise in, or a desire to learn more about, flood resilience and recovery. It provides a unique opportunity for professionals, organisations, communities, and those with lived experience to share knowledge, exchange ideas, and collaborate on practical solutions that better support families and communities affected by flooding.

I was particularly impressed by the breadth and diversity of organisations represented, both among the delegates and exhibitors. The range of innovative products, services, and initiatives on display demonstrated a genuine commitment to reducing the impact of flooding and strengthening community resilience.

However, it was both disappointing and deeply ironic that the voices of those with first-hand experience of flooding—the very people at the heart of the conference's purpose—were scheduled to speak during the lunch break. As a result, many delegates were absent, denying presenters the audience their powerful testimonies deserved. This missed opportunity was compounded by technical issues that prevented their presentation slides from being displayed, further undermining the impact of their contributions.

For a conference dedicated to improving outcomes for flood-affected communities, ensuring that lived experience is heard, valued, and given prominence should be a central priority rather than an afterthought.