A new study reveals that more than 2,700 deaths in England and Wales have been linked to two unprecedented heatwaves in May and June. The research, published on Monday, estimated 550 heat-related deaths during a nine-day period in May and nearly 2,200 deaths during an 11-day stretch in June.
Scientists from Imperial College London, the Met Office, and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine combined weather data, climate models, and analyses of excess deaths during extreme weather to produce the estimates. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) plans to release its official count in the coming weeks.
This year, the UK experienced record-breaking temperatures, with England hitting 35.1°C (95.2°F) in May and 37.7°C (99.9°F) in June. Mark McCarthy of the Met Office noted that these heatwaves were exceptional for their timing so early in the year. Scientists emphasized that climate change made the heatwaves up to 4°C (7.2°F) hotter than they would have been otherwise.
The Climate Change Committee (CCC) warned last year that the UK was unprepared for the consequences of climate change, estimating that 92% of British homes could become too hot by 2050. The CCC recommended setting maximum workplace temperatures and investing in air conditioning for public buildings.
Lea Berrang Ford of UKHSA said the study helps illustrate the growing threat of extreme heat. The findings come as data showed over 10,000 excess deaths across Europe during late June heatwaves, mostly among people aged 65 and older.