UK: As summer heatwaves begins, growers look for guidance

As the newly-published long-range weather forecast for the UK predicts warmer-than-usual weather for summer 2025, greenhouse control system experts, Tomtech, are putting a spotlight on the importance of control systems to maintain optimal growing conditions, no matter the weather.

According to the latest report issued by Severe Weather Europe, Summer 2025 – particularly the middle and later months – are expected to be drier than usual with above-normal potential for heatwaves. With traditionally-grown crops exposed to the elements, this is potentially alarming news for growers across the UK.

"Outdoor crops are extremely vulnerable to changing weather conditions, whether that's heavy rainfall or scorching temperatures. Maintaining consistent growing conditions under glass is a fail-safe way to achieve thriving crops and prevent damage during heatwaves" says Krzysztof Hernik, Managing Director at Tomtech.

© TomTech

Hot weather can have devastating effects on crops, such as disrupted growth cycles, reduced photosynthesis, damage to plant tissues and water stress. It can also accelerate the ripening and spoilage of fruits and vegetables, leading to significant post-harvest economic losses.

"By accurately monitoring climate and soil conditions, such as temperature, humidity, light and carbon dioxide, the growing conditions can be optimized. With our range of industry-leading greenhouse monitoring and control equipment, we help deliver bigger, better and faster crops season after season – even during heatwaves" adds Krzysztof.

For almost 40 years, Tomtech has been a UK-leading provider of commercial greenhouse monitoring and control systems. Their adaptive control systems are used to monitor temperature, humidity, light, carbon dioxide, pH, nutrients and more.

Products by Tomtech are widely used to optimize growing conditions for various crops grown within greenhouses across the UK, Europe and further afield.

"As global warming continues to bring rising temperatures across the UK and Europe, creating a consistent growing environment will be more important than ever. As such, we expect even further investment in greenhouse control technology to shield crops from rising temperatures. Growing under controlled conditions is the ideal way to future-proof global crop production." concludes Krzysztof.