Home / Environment / UK Bees Cook in Extreme Heatwaves
UK Bees Cook in Extreme Heatwaves
21 Jul
Summary
- UK bumblebees struggle to fly in heatwaves above 28C.
- Populations dropped significantly after 2022's record heat.
- Planting flower-rich habitats is crucial for bee survival.
UK bumblebees are at risk of significant population decline as heatwaves intensify. Analysis of long-running monitoring data indicates a decrease in bumblebee numbers following the record-breaking heat of 2022. Britain has recently experienced multiple heatwaves, with temperatures reaching levels where bumblebees struggle to regulate their body temperature.
UK bumblebee species are adapted to cooler climates, but extreme heat causes their bodies to overheat, hindering their flight and foraging capabilities. If air temperatures exceed 28-32C, bumblebees can suffer fatal internal overheating. The BeeWalk data revealed substantial population drops for common species in 2022, with numbers remaining below average in early 2023.
Extreme heat also reduces food availability as flowering plants dry out, impacting colony growth and the production of new queens. Scientists stress that while warm weather can be beneficial, prolonged extreme heat and drought pose a severe threat. Climate change is predicted to increase the frequency and intensity of such heatwaves in the UK.
Conservationists recommend creating more flower-rich habitats to support bumblebee populations. Simple actions like planting native wildflowers in pots can provide essential food sources. Adding ponds for moisture and dense shrubs for shade also helps bees survive extreme heat and find sustenance.
