Summary of Change Surface air temperatures are expected to increase everywhere compared to the present An increase in the intensity and duration of heat waves is expected

Climate Risks Identified Heat waves (defined by the UK Met Office as when the daily maximum temperature of more than five consecutive days exceeds the average maximum temperature by 5°C, the normal period being 1961-1990) [43]. These may lead to severe drought and violent thunderstorms that impact upon human health, physical infrastructure, and river water levels, and may cause forest fires. Higher temperatures and more hot days could result in heat exhaustion and increased heat-related stress, with vulnerable people within communities increasing the need for emergency response. Remote communities are particularly vulnerable. More climate extremes –changes in rainfall variability and increased frequency of heatwaves will impact on native species, encourage diseases, noxious weeds, pests and invasive species, which will need to be managed appropriately. Freezing conditions: fewer frost days and milder nighttime temperatures are expected. One benefit might be a longer growing season, which might suit agricultural production.