More than 2,700 folks died of heat-related causes in May and June’s report heatwaves
Boffs at Imperial College London, the Met Office and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine found about 550 people died of heat-related causes in nine days of the May heatwave
A woman sunbathes at Viking Bay, Broadstairs, Kent.(Image: Gareth Fuller/PA Wire)
More than 2,700 people died of heat-related causes in May and June’s record hot spells, experts say. And more than two fifths of the deaths were as a result of extra heat caused by human activity, they estimate.
In May temperatures peaked at 35.1C, while in June, they hit 37C. Boffs at Imperial College London, the Met Office and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine found about 550 people died of heat-related causes in nine days of the May heatwave.
And about 2,200 in the 11 days around the June heatwave in England and Wales. Some 1,150 of the deaths were likely due to extra heat caused by climate change making temperatures 4C hotter.
Dr Clair Barnes from Imperial College London, said heatwaves are the “most dangerous kind of extreme weather”. She added: “It’s time we woke up to the fact that we now live in a country with dangerously hot summers.
“To protect people we must urgently adapt to the reality and double down on global efforts to reach net zero emissions to stop it getting worse.”
The researchers warn maximum daytime temperatures are around 3C-4C hotter than they would be without climate change, raising the risks from the heat.
High temperatures are associated with risks including heat exhaustion, heat stroke, stress on the heart and kidneys and worsening chronic conditions such as heart disease, lung conditions and diabetes.
They also worsen mental health, violence and increase the risk of death from drowning. The Met Office’s Dr Mark McCarthy described the two record-breaking heatwaves as “exceptional”.
He said heatwave thresholds were rarely met in May, but this year daytime temperatures were widely 15C above the average for the month in England and Wales, while night-time temperature records were also set.
The June heatwave, which saw red warnings for extreme heat issued on consecutive days, was notable for its humidity as well as heat, he said.
“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.
“This combination of extreme daytime heat, high humidity and hot nights all act to really contribute and increase the impact these heatwaves have on our infrastructure, on transport, agriculture and particularly on our health and well being,” he said.
It was clear climate change is making heatwaves more frequent and intense, he said.
The independent advisory Climate Change Committee has warned that the UK is unprepared for extreme heat, which could see 92% of homes overheating by mid century, and has called for maximum temperature rules in workplaces and air conditioning in hospitals, care homes and schools.
Zack Polanski, leader of the Green Party of England and Wales, said: “These deaths are on the hands of politicians who have failed to act over the years. All those who put profit over the safety of the public by refusing to take real action to prevent the climate crisis – and are now failing to protect us from its impact.
“The message is clear: without action to protect people from extreme heat, we will see thousands more deaths in the years to come. Something must change.”
