Heatwave-related deaths in the UK have almost doubled this year compared to last summer, new figures from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reveal.
A report estimates 2,877 heat-associated deaths occurred during the heatwaves in May and June alone.
This total includes an estimated 753 deaths linked to the May heatwave (May 24-27) and a further 2,124 during the June heatwave (June 21-28). These figures are nearly twice the number reported for the entire summer period of June to August last year.
The UKHSA report warned: “While these figures remain interim, they are already approaching the annual record reported by UKHSA in 2022.”
This year has seen both May and June break Met Office monthly temperature records for the UK, with 31.5C recorded at Kew Gardens on 26 May and 38.0C recorded at Lingwood, Norfolk on 25 June.
Dr Ross Thompson, principal environmental public health scientist at UKHSA and author of the report, said: “These figures highlight the significant danger that very hot weather can pose to people’s health.
“This is particularly true for those who are more vulnerable including older adults and people with underlying medical conditions.
“While the figures are interim, they suggest that, if we experience more periods of hot weather this summer, we could see the highest number of heat-associated deaths on record.
“As the climate becomes warmer, we can expect periods of hot weather to become longer, more frequent and more extreme.
“That’s why it’s vital that individuals, communities and systems are prepared to deal with higher temperatures, and to ensure those most vulnerable to the heat are protected.”
Health and Social Care Secretary Yvette Cooper, said: “The sweltering heat has had a serious impact this summer on people’s health and on our NHS.
“For many years, we have been used to winter pressures in our NHS and the need to support those who are vulnerable in the coldest weather.
“But now we are seeing the summer heat have an increasingly serious impact on the health of thousands of people, and on the pressures facing our NHS too.
“My thoughts are with all those who have lost loved ones as a result of the long and intense heatwaves in recent months.
“And my heartfelt thanks go to the NHS staff, care workers and emergency responders who have worked tirelessly through these exceptionally busy and challenging months to protect and care for people affected by the heat.”
Almost half of England’s population is experiencing official drought conditions following a period of low rainfall and back-to-back heatwaves (Getty)
This year has marked the first time that temperatures have reached 35C in May, June, and July in the same year as scorching temperatures continue.
The heatwaves this year forced several hospitals to declare critical incidents – meaning they cannot provide normal safe services due to pressures on patient flow, bed capacity, or staffing – due to vast demand on services.
London Ambulance Service recorded the highest number of life-threatening emergencies in its history in June, with paramedics saying the rise had been “driven by extreme heat”.
It said 24 June was its fifth busiest day ever, with 7,900 calls and ambulance crews responding to nearly 3,600 patients in a single day.
The news comes as almost half of England’s population is experiencing official drought conditions following a period of low rainfall and back-to-back heatwaves.
Up to 28 million people live in the affected areas, namely East Anglia, Hertfordshire and the whole of London, Thames Valley, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, Devon and Cornwall, the West Midlands, and Wessex – covering Dorset, Somerset, Wiltshire and Gloucestershire.
The Environment Agency has described the conditions as a “flash drought”, with July set to be England’s driest month on record.
