A staggering estimate of 2,700 deaths in England and Wales has been attributed to heatwaves occurring in May and June, as reported by researchers from Imperial College London and other institutions.
Record Temperatures and Mortality Rates
They were extreme heatwaves for the UK, and for all parts of western Europe, and they’re particularly exceptional for the timing and how early in the year they occurred.
Mark McCarthy, Science Manager, Met Office
- Heatwave from May 21 to May 29 caused about 550 deaths.
- Second heatwave from June 18 to June 28 resulted in nearly 2,200 deaths.
The heatwaves set unprecedented records, with temperatures reaching 35.1°C in May and peaking at 37.7°C in June. Such extremes are becoming increasingly common as climate change progresses.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is expected to release its official death toll from these heat events in the near future, based on analyzed death records.
Lea Berrang Ford, head of UKHSA’s Centre for Climate and Health Security, emphasized the significance of the study's findings, which demonstrate the escalating risks from extreme heat and the urgency of addressing climate change.
The study highlights that maximum daytime temperatures were 3°C to 4°C higher than they would have been without global warming. This alarming trend indicates the pressing need for comprehensive strategies to mitigate climate impacts.
The Climate Change Committee (CCC) recently warned that the UK is ill-prepared to cope with the ramifications of climate change, suggesting that nearly 92% of British homes might become excessively hot by 2050.