More than 2,700 people died in England and Wales during the record-breaking heatwaves that struck in May and June, according to a new study by researchers from Imperial College London, the Met Office, and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
The researchers analysed weather records, climate models and excess mortality data, estimating that about 550 deaths occurred during the May heatwave and nearly 2,200 during the June heatwave.
England recorded temperatures of 35.1°C in May and 37.7°C in June, the highest ever recorded for those months, as extreme heat swept across the UK and much of western Europe.
The study found that climate change intensified the heatwaves, pushing daytime temperatures 3°C to 4°C higher than they would otherwise have been.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is expected to publish its official estimate of heat-related deaths in the coming weeks.
The findings add to growing concerns over Britain’s preparedness for extreme weather.
Last year, the Climate Change Committee (CCC) warned that the UK is not adequately prepared for the impacts of climate change and urged greater investment in cooling infrastructure and stronger protections against extreme heat.
About The Author
