Study Estimates 2,700 Heat-Related Deaths in England and Wales

More than 2,700 people are estimated to have died during the severe heatwaves that struck England and Wales in May and June, according to a new study reported by Reuters.

The estimate was produced by researchers from Imperial College London, the UK Met Office, and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, based on established methods for assessing the health impacts of extreme heat.

Researchers said the majority of the deaths occurred during the June heatwave, which coincided with England's hottest June on record. Temperatures reached 37.7°C in Lingwood, Norfolk, surpassing the previous June record of 35.6°C set in 1957.

According to the study, around 550 heat-related deaths occurred between May 21 and 29, while approximately 2,200 people died during the June 18–28 heatwave.

Experts said both heatwaves were driven by a "heat dome"—a persistent high-pressure system that traps hot air over a region for an extended period.

The researchers argued that human-induced climate change intensified the heatwaves. They said global average temperatures have risen by about 1.4°C since the pre-industrial era, increasing peak temperatures during the recent heatwaves by an estimated 3–4°C.

Extreme heat poses the greatest risk to children, older adults, and people with underlying health conditions. However, experts warned that even healthy individuals can suffer life-threatening complications, including heatstroke, heart attacks, and strokes.

Climate scientist Professor Friederike Otto, who contributed to the study, said the risks should not be underestimated, stressing that severe heatwaves can seriously affect even young and healthy people.

The researchers warned that unless greenhouse gas emissions are significantly reduced, heatwaves are likely to become more frequent, more intense, and longer-lasting in the years ahead.