The UK government is investing £40 million in a new technology network designed to provide earlier warnings of floods and droughts, helping mitigate the devastating effects of extreme weather. The project, led by the Natural Environment Research Council (Nerc) and the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, will establish a nationwide network of sensors in rivers to detect potential flashpoints. This data will be analyzed to predict and prepare for floods and droughts, potentially saving lives, reducing damage to property, and minimizing economic losses. The initiative underscores the increasing urgency to address the impact of climate change on the UK, with the government acknowledging the growing frequency and cost of extreme weather events.