How does information about regional unusual weather diffuse on social media? A case study of the 2022 UK Heatwave

This paper explores the evolving dynamics of information diffusion on social media during the 2022 UK heatwave. Through topic modeling and thematic analysis of posts on X (formerly Twitter), we identify and examine eight key themes and their development over a four-week period. Our analysis reveals distinct patterns in the progression of information: initially focused on immediate health concerns, the discourse gradually expanded to encompass broader societal impacts. The study highlights the persistent importance of real-time reporting and the emergence of diverse themes as the event progressed. By enhancing our understanding of how significant regional events are discussed and interpreted on social media platforms, this research provides valuable insights into crisis communication, public health messaging, and social media management. These findings have implications for improving the effectiveness of information dissemination and public engagement during critical events.