Mosquito-borne infections are becoming more prominent in the UK following massive global heat plumes which have caused temperatures to surge.
Hotter conditions in Europe have created more favourable conditions for virus-spreading mosquitoes in what were traditionally cooler parts of the world, according to weather experts.
Speaking to GB News, Jim Dale - Founder and Senior Meteorological Consultant at British Weather Services - explained that a myriad of changes in the climate including recent heat plumes, record ocean temperatures and rapidly melting ice sheets has reached "tipping point".
As a result, the weather conditions are encouraging more mosquito-borne infections such as chikungunya and dengue to Britain, according to a report by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).
The weather conditions are encouraging more mosquito-borne infections such as chikungunya and dengue to Britain
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Dale said: "June in the UK is certain to be the hottest on record. The mosquitos prediction is a long term prospect but forecast as long as 30 years ago when climate change impacts were first mooted.
"Given record ocean/sea temps and El Niño transversing the Pacific, matters will continue to evolve at pace."
The ECDC said the Aedes albopictus mosquito has now been found in 13 countries and 337 regions - if this continues there could be an increase in cases and subsequent serious illnesses.
Dale added: "Given several current massive global heat plumes, record ocean/sea temperatures, rapidly melting ice sheets in the north and south, Met Office and WHO warnings of disease carrying mosquitos, the question is have we already reached a climate tipping point? The answer from me is yes."
ECDC director Andrea Ammon said: "In recent years we have seen a geographical spread of invasive mosquito species to previously unaffected areas in the EU/EEA.
"If this continues, we can expect to see more cases and possibly deaths from diseases such as dengue, chikungunya and West Nile fever.
"Efforts need to focus on ways to control mosquito populations, enhancing surveillance and enforcing personal protective measures."
Britain has seen scorching temperatures in recent weeks after the El Nino phenomenon hit the UK.
Temperatures have surged over recent weeks as weather experts suggest climate change is causing the unsettled conditions
WXCHARTSEl Nino occurs every couple of years and usually sees sea surface temperatures warming and is concentrated in the central-east equatorial Pacific.
June 2023 is on now track to be the hottest on record in a series which goes back to 1884.
The Met Office’s Mike Kendon said: “With only a few days of near-average temperatures forecast for the remainder of the month, overall this June will turn out to be provisionally the hottest June on record for the UK for both mean and average maximum temperature.
“Meteorologically, June started with high pressure over the UK bringing often settled and dry conditions with plenty of sunshine.
"Once that high pressure subsided, warm, humid air took charge over the UK, with 32.2C the highest temperature recorded so far this month and high temperatures for the vast majority of the UK."
