UK heatwaves warning as nearly 3,000 people dead in just two months of hot weather

UK heatwaves warning as nearly 3,000 people dead in just two months of hot weather Government health scientists issued an urgent warning to families, after figures show heatwaves have already claimed 2,877 lives and the UK could face a record summer death toll Heatwaves have caused 2,877 people to die so far this summer, as health chiefs warn we could be facing a record death toll. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) estimated there were 2,877 heat-associated deaths during the two heatwaves in May and June. That's almost double the 1,504 excess deaths seen in the whole of last summer. It suggested 2026 could see the highest number of heat-associated deaths on record, surpassing the 2,985 recorded in 2022. Dr Ross Thompson, principal environmental 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.” Health chiefs examined the record-breaking heatwaves of May, when temperatures peaked at 35.1C, and June, which hit new highs for the month above 37C. The May heatwave was estimated to have caused 753 deaths between the 24th and 27th, while the June heatwave was linked to 2,124 excess deaths between the 21th and 28th. Health 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." Some 2,985 heat-associated deaths were observed across the five heatwaves of 2022, a year that had the highest temperature ever recorded in the UK, when 40.3C was reached in Coningsby in Lincolnshire on July 19. Yvette Cooper added: “As we move through the summer, it is so important for people to be able to look out for their health and help those who are more vulnerable to the hot conditions. Please don't hesitate to seek help if you're worried about your own wellbeing, or anyone else's. A little care could make a lifesaving difference.” The June heatwave peak resulted in an unprecedented three successive days of red warnings from the UK Health Security Agency and the Met Office, warning of danger to life for all. The young, old and those with underlying illnesses were most at risk from high temperatures and humidity. Heatwaves saw hospitals declare 'critical incidents' as sweltering wards hit 35C. The Mirror launched the ‘Save Lives for Sam’ campaign named after 16-year-old Sam Haycock who drowned at a reservoir in Rotherham in 2021. There have been over 40 drownings in the last few months as heatwaves gripped the country. Heatwaves have been raging throughout Europe and have been linked to hundreds of deaths across the continent and wildfires. Nearly 100 people, mainly young men, died by drowning in Germany last month, authorities there said. Dr Ross Thompson added: “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.”