The BBC's latest Panorama episode, Fire and Floods: Our Extreme Weather, aired on Monday night (November 9) and has drawn praise from viewers who call it "well worth your time."
The documentary examines the climate crisis by looking back at the extreme weather experienced in the UK over the past summer. BBC climate editor Justin Rowlatt speaks with scientists as he investigates how changing climate patterns are affecting the country.
What the documentary covers
A synopsis for the episode teases: "Whether you were wading through floods or struggling through a heatwave, 2026 was the year when you could hardly miss our extreme weather. Temperatures in the summer topped 30C for 33 days in a row. Months earlier, some parts of the UK saw 40 consecutive days of rain."
The synopsis continues: "Justin investigates the impact of climate change on our weather. He speaks to scientists who warn that hotter summers and wetter winters are likely to become more typical, and looks at if enough is being done to adapt our towns and cities to the changing climate. Justin asks, as the cost of living continues to bite, are governments under pressure to ditch some green policies, or do they remain committed to tackling climate change?"
Viewer reactions
Those who watched the episode live have shared positive reviews on social media. One viewer commented on Instagram: "Finally.. thank you BBC for highlighting the huge issues we face from climate change and global warming."
Another posted: "Panorama tonight is excellent on what a changing climate means for UK weather and weather related risks. Contributors bringing the evidence base. Well worth your time."
A third added: "It's rare that the BBC features scientists talking as honestly as this about what we're facing with climate breakdown. Last night's Panorama was genuine public service journalism, and we need much more of it."
Another viewer admitted: "It's scary. I watched it," with a fifth sharing: "I hope this is the start of far wider media coverage for the issue that is set to eclipse all others. Well done Panorama."
Fire and Floods: Our Extreme Weather is streaming on BBC iPlayer, along with previous episodes of Panorama.
