Thousands May Have Died During UK’s Record Heatwaves In May And June, Experts Estimate

Thousands May Have Died During UK’s Record Heatwaves in May and June, Experts Estimate Thousands of people may have died from heat-related causes during the United Kingdom’s exceptionally hot weather in May and June, according to new estimates by climate and public health experts. Researchers from Imperial College London, the Met Office, and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine estimate that around 2,700 people in England and Wales died from heat-related causes during the two record-breaking heatwaves. The analysis suggests approximately 550 deaths occurred during the May heatwave and 2,200 more during the June heatwave. The researchers also concluded that human-caused climate change significantly increased the severity of the heatwaves, estimating that about 42% of the deaths were linked to the additional heat caused by global warming. They said temperatures during the hottest days were around 3°C to 4°C higher than they would have been without climate change. Health experts warn that extreme heat can trigger or worsen serious medical conditions, including heatstroke, heart attacks, strokes, respiratory illnesses, and kidney problems. Older adults, young children, and people with underlying health conditions remain the most vulnerable during periods of extreme heat. The findings come after the UK experienced one of its hottest starts to summer on record, with temperatures exceeding 35°C in May and climbing above 37°C in June, prompting rare red heat alerts from health authorities. Scientists say such extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and intense as the climate warms. The researchers are urging the UK government to strengthen heat preparedness measures, including improving public health protections, adapting homes and infrastructure to cope with rising temperatures, and expanding support for vulnerable communities during future heatwaves.