New government data reveals a stark rise in heat-related deaths in England, with over 40,000 additional fatalities recorded on the hottest days between 1988 and 2025 compared to typical temperatures. This summer’s prolonged heatwaves—already among the most severe on record—could push death tolls even higher, far exceeding last year’s summer total. Early figures from the UK Health Security Agency show nearly 3,000 excess deaths linked to May and June heatwaves alone, signaling worsening public health risks as temperatures climb. Experts warn the trend underscores the escalating human cost of the climate crisis.
ONS data shows rising toll of climate crisis, with officials warning this summer on track to set further recordsMore than 40,000 extra people died on the hottest days in England between 1988 and 2025 than would be expected in normal temperatures, according to data published by the Office for National Statistics on Wednesday.The figures do not include this summer, when England has sweltered under a succession of heatwaves and is on track to record its highest ever number of heat-related deaths. The UK Health Security Agency announced on 30 July that an estimated 2,877 people had died in the May and June heatwaves alone. The total is almost double the figure for the whole summer in 2025. Continue reading...
