British summers could become more than five degrees hotter on average over the next 50 years, a major report will warn today.

The UK Climate Projections 2018 report will say that the heatwave conditions experienced across Britain this year could become the norm.

By 2070 average summer temperatures could have climbed by five degrees, leaving Britain at increased risk of water shortages and grassland fires, while winters will also rise by around four degrees.

At a speech launching the report at London’s Science Museum today, Michael Gove, the Environment Secretary, will call for urgent action to tackle the warming climate, protect coastal areas from sea level rise, and make Britain’s transport and power infrastructure more resilient.

“It is clear that the planet and its weather patterns are changing before our eyes. We know, more than ever before, the urgency of acting,” Mr Gove is expected to say.

“These projections will give us an invaluable tool to assess the nature and scale of the challenge we face and take decisions accordingly.

“The more we know, the greater our ability to shape events for the better - but also the heavier the responsibility to act.

“It is only by heeding scientific warnings more keenly than ever before that we can safeguard our planet and our species’ survival.”