As the UK experiences increasingly variable and extreme weather, the impact on sporting events is becoming more evident.
From grassroots football and community sports to world-renowned tournaments such as Wimbledon and the World Cup, weather is no longer just a backdrop, it’s a defining factor in how sport is played, watched, and organised.
Recent disruptions across the sporting calendar
In July 2023, Wimbledon faced significant disruption when severe weather warnings forced the closure of the public queue on the penultimate day. Spectators hoping to enjoy the finals from Henman Hill were turned away, highlighting the growing need for robust contingency planning at major events.
Cricket, a sport particularly sensitive to weather, also felt the effects. Rain during the T20 Blast Finals Day in July 2023 shortened Essex’s innings in their semi final against Hampshire, altering the competitive balance and impacting the fan experience. Similarly, the Goodwood Festival of Speed saw its Saturday programme cancelled due to poor weather.
40C was recorded in the UK in 2022. A new study looks at the increasing chances of this happening again.
— Met Office (@metoffice) June 24, 2025
In Climate Conversations Clare Nasir looks at the impacts of extreme heat and @WeatherAlex catches up with Dr Gillian Kay, to discuss the importance of the findings 👇
Storm Darragh in December 2024 brought widespread disruption. Premier League matches, Welsh rugby fixtures, and horse racing events were all postponed or cancelled due to safety concerns. Storms like Darragh expose the vulnerability many outdoor sports have to instances of extreme weather.
Looking ahead: Climate change and the sporting landscape
The Met Office’s UK Climate Projections (UKCP18) suggest that by the 2050s, the UK will experience warmer, wetter winters and hotter, drier summers. This shift will inevitably have profound implications for sport. For example, projections show that the London Marathon could see increases of up to 1.7°C in extreme high temperatures, raising concerns for the safety of those taking part as well as event logistics.
One example of how this may change the way we experience events such as the London Marathon could be a reduction in the number of people taking part in fancy dress. With higher temperatures will no doubt come increased concerns for participant’s safety and many could decide against running in costume.
Rainfall patterns are also expected to change. While some events may benefit from drier conditions, such as the Six Nations at the Principality Stadium, others, like Twickenham, could face wetter winters, complicating pitch maintenance and increasing the risk of flooding.
READ MORE: Scorching Junes: How often do we see temperatures over 30°C in June?
Adapting to a changing climate
Sport England estimates that 120,000 football matches are lost annually due to weather, with a third of community pitches unplayable for two months each year. As climate variability intensifies, investment in resilient infrastructure, flexible scheduling, and real-time weather monitoring will be essential.
Sport is a vital part of British culture and community life. By understanding and preparing for the impacts of climate change, we can help ensure that the games we love continue to thrive in a changing world.
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