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Thousands will have died in UK's unprecedented May and June heatwaves
BBC • • world
Key Points:
- Experts from Imperial College London, the Met Office, and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine estimate that over 2,700 people may have died from heat-related causes during the UK's record-breaking hot weather in May and June 2026.
- June saw the warmest temperatures on record in England, reaching 37.7°C (99.9°F), with a rare red heat alert issued for parts of England and Wales due to significant risks to life.
- Human-induced climate change is believed to have increased temperatures by 3 to 4°C during this period, exacerbating the heatwave's severity and its health impacts.
- Vulnerable groups such as babies, older adults, and those with pre-existing health conditions are at greatest risk, especially during humid conditions that hinder the body's ability to cool down.
- Researchers warn that heat-related deaths could rise in northern Europe and potentially rival cold-related deaths within decades unless significant climate action and adaptation measures are implemented.
