More than 2,700 people are estimated to have died from heat-related causes during the UK’s record-breaking May and June heatwaves, according to a new rapid analysis by researchers from the Met Office, Imperial College London and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine.
The researchers estimate that around 550 heat-related deaths occurred during the May heatwave and approximately 2,200 during the June event, which saw temperatures climb above 37°C in parts of England. They concluded that about 42% of the deaths were linked to the additional heat caused by human-induced climate change.
Scientists said climate change increased daytime maximum temperatures by around 3–4°C during the two heatwaves, making the extreme conditions significantly more dangerous, particularly for older adults and people with underlying health conditions. Most of the estimated deaths occurred among those aged 85 and over.
Experts are urging stronger heat adaptation measures, including improved public health planning and better protection for vulnerable communities, warning that extreme heat events are becoming more frequent and intense as the climate warms.