Why is crucial tech vulnerable to the heat? In June, an electric transformer in France overheated and caused a power outage, highlighting the issue. Such incidents are becoming more frequent as heatwaves due to climate change increase in frequency and intensity.

Engineers are adapting infrastructure to cope with extreme temperatures, but challenges remain. For instance, gas-fired power stations reduce output by about 10% at 40°C compared to 20°C. Solar panels also suffer, plateauing beyond 27°C. Overheating can lead to power cuts and strange malfunctions like security alarms going off due to temperature changes.

In the UK, during a historic heatwave in July 2022, data centres at hospitals experienced significant issues. At St Thomas' hospital, temperatures soared to 36.2°C within an hour of attempts to cool them down with water hoses. Outside, metal cabinets used for telecoms and railway signalling can become dangerously hot, prompting trials of liquid-based cooling.

The resilience of the UK's energy systems during heatwaves is a success story, but the risks are real. As temperatures rise, so too do the chances of tech-related failures. Perhaps one day, our devices will need air conditioning as much as we do.