Odour in Hot Weather: How Climate Change Increases Emissions
Why Hot Weather Makes Odours Stronger
Understanding odour in hot weather is essential for any site operator. Higher temperatures can intensify odours and increase complaints. There are two main reasons:
- Increased odour intensity
Warmer conditions speed up bacterial activity in industrial and agricultural processes. This makes odorous compounds stronger and more likely to travel farther. Learn more about managing common odour sources to prevent issues before they reach the community.
- Greater exposure
During hot weather, people spend more time outdoors. Even minor odours that might go unnoticed in cooler months become more apparent, leading to more complaints.
Understanding odour emissions in hot weather will help reduce complaints and support regulatory compliance. Good odour management practices help keep operations under control even during heatwaves.
For practical steps, see our Summer Odour Management guide.
Hot Weather & UK Climate Trends
This blog focuses on odour in hot weather. However, it is important to recognise that climate change is more generally increasing the frequency of heatwaves in the UK:
- All ten of the warmest years on record have occurred since 2003, according to the Met Office.
- UK summers are projected to become hotter and drier, while winters will be warmer and wetter.
- By 2050, heatwaves are expected every other year. This increases the risk of odour complaints if emissions are not well managed.
Even short bursts of extreme heat can make poorly controlled emissions noticeable. Proactive odour management, including strategies outlined in our Seasonal Odour Management Guide, is more important than ever.
Methane, Ammonia & Odours
Certain gases not only contribute to climate change, but also produce odours that affect local communities:
- Methane (CH₄)
86 times more potent than CO₂ over 20 years. Emitted from industrial gas leaks, livestock operations and natural sources.
- Ammonia (NH₃)
Ammonia contributes to odour nuisances and affects air quality and soil.
Both gases are often accompanied by other odorous compounds. These can lead to odour complaints if not managed properly.
EN 17628 (published in 2022) sets out requirements to reduce atmospheric emissions. It requires many sites to perform Leak Detection & Repair (LDAR) surveys at least twice a year.
Compliance not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions but also limits potential odour nuisances.
How Operators Typically Respond to Odour in Hot Weather
Effective odour management combines monitoring, operational control and community engagement. Typically, operators will:
- Monitor emissions regularly:
Use odour sampling and monitoring to track changes during hot periods.
- Conduct LDAR surveys:
Detect and repair leaks promptly, particularly for methane or other odorous gases.
- Adjust operational practices:
Schedule odorous processes for cooler times of the day or implement additional containment measures. Explore our summer odour control tips for practical guidance.
- Engage with the community:
Inform neighbours of your odour management strategies to minimise complaints.
Proactively managing odours during warmer months ensures both compliance and community goodwill.
This can be especially important for sites hosting outdoor gatherings or events. Odour Management at Events is critical for attendee and community comfort.
Benefits of Understanding Odour in Hot Weather
When operators understand how hot weather affects odours, they can:
- Reduce complaints during heatwaves
- Limit the environmental impacts of odorous emissions
- Contribute to broader climate change mitigation efforts
Even small improvements in odour control during warm months can have a significant effect on regulatory compliance and local reputation. For more guidance on implementing an effective plan, see our Odour Management Plan guide.
Need Expert Advice?
If you want to assess how rising temperatures may impact odours at your site, we can help. Contact us at:
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Article updated April 2026.
