With the fifth storm of the season named in the UK, we’re exploring the impact that extreme weather can have on our mental health

UK storms are named between early September and late August as part of the ‘Name our Storms’ project which launched in 2015. Storms are named if they have the potential to cause disruption or damage which typically results in amber or red warnings being issued across the country. So far this season, five storms have been named in the UK, with the latest – storm Eowyn – anticipated to bring with it gusts of up to 90mph alongside heavy rain. 

Whilst there is no clear evidence that the UK is experiencing more frequent storms due to climate change, the 2023/24 season recorded the highest number of storms (12) since the project launched. However, the intensity of the storms that we experience is becoming greater. 

Extreme weather is generally categorised as anything deemed unusual or unexpected. Examples of this include: 

  • gale force winds 
  • heavy rain/floods
  • thick fog 
  • heat waves 
  • heavy snow 
  • droughts 
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Read: How can we prepare for flooding?

Sadly, we’ve had to learn from the devastating events worldwide about the practical ways to protect ourselves, our loved ones and our homes during severe weather - but how do we look after our mental health during periods of weather uncertainty?

According to the UK Health Alliance on Climate Change, the frequency of severe weather events threatens public health and puts strain on health services. Extreme weather can directly impact our mental wellbeing, with the alliance noting that soaring heat can exacerbate pre-existing mental health conditions and contribute to stress and mood fluctuations.

The threats from severe weather can, understandably, leave many of us feeling heightened anxiety. For those who have experienced flooding or lived within an affected area, symptoms of mental health disorders are elevated. Research led by the University of York and the National Centre for Social Research in 2019 found that people with weather-damaged homes are more likely to experience poor mental health. 

Studies such as this highlight the importance of including mental health support in emergency plans for extreme weather, something that many organisations are also being encouraged to get on board with. Findings from the New International SOS Foundation global survey revealed that 40% of businesses fail to support the mental health of employees and their families affected by extreme weather events. This is despite many people facing trauma, stress and anxiety, as well as having to cope with physical damage. 

Climate change is directly contributing to adverse weather and with the National Institute for Health Care Management (NICHM) revealing that 61% of us feel anxious about its effects, it’s more important than ever that we take steps to protect our mental wellbeing when faced with often traumatic and potentially life-altering weather events. 

What steps can you take to protect your mental health when threatened with adverse weather? 

  • Reach out for support and join communities. Earth.org draws on research that found that up to 60% of survivors of natural disasters will experience PTSD and one of the biggest risk factors is a lack of social support. Be sure to ask for help if you need it and join community initiatives to support those who have been affected.
  • Focus on sleep quality. Extreme heat can affect our mental health in a number of ways, with people commonly reporting feeling more irritable. Poor sleep quality can exacerbate the negative effects on mood and, whilst it can be harder to get a god night’s sleep in hot weather, there are steps you can take to help. 
  • Look after your physical health and safety. We know that mental health and physical health go hand in hand. In the event of soaring heat or freak wind and rain, we may be restricted to staying safely indoors. Be sure to keep hydrated and stay cool in hot temperatures, and stay away from windows and keep reserve power packs to hand in cases of storms.
  • Tread carefully around the news. Of course, in severe weather situations where there is a potential threat to life or a need to evacuate, it’s really important to be aware of what’s going on around you so that you can take necessary steps, but if you find your mental suffering from frequent exposure to negative news, consider taking a step back. You might decide to limit yourself to only checking the news once a day, or unfollow accounts online that no longer serve you. Find out how to ground yourself after seeing distressing news. 
  • Seek professional support. If you find that anxiety around extreme weather or climate change is having an impact on your mental health and day-to-day life, you may benefit from speaking to a counsellor or therapist. Find out more about climate and eco-anxiety and how counselling can help on Counselling Directory. 

Being as prepared as you can be (whilst it likely won’t remove feelings of anxiety entirely) can offer some peace of mind when faced with uncertainty. Above all, remember to take care of yourself and look out for one another.