Data released by the Office for National Statistics on Wednesday revealed that over 40,000 additional deaths were recorded in England during the hottest days spanning 1988 to 2025 compared to mortality rates during normal temperature conditions. The figures exclude the current summer, during which the nation has experienced repeated heatwaves and is projected to see record numbers of heat-related fatalities. The UK Health Security Agency reported on 30 July that approximately 2,877 people died during May and June heatwaves alone, nearly doubling the previous year’s summer total.
The data underscores a significant shift in mortality patterns. Historically, excess deaths occurred more frequently during cold periods, with 139,000 cold-related deaths recorded in England from 1988 to 2025. However, recent years have narrowed this gap substantially, with heat-related deaths increasing as a proportion of overall temperature-related mortality. In the most recent year examined, heat-related deaths exceeded cold-related deaths, marking a notable change in public health risk. Nearly all English regions and Wales experienced a 50% increase in mortality risk when temperatures exceeded 24 degrees Celsius.
The strain on healthcare systems has been severe, with emergency departments reaching record-breaking activity levels. Emergency ambulance services across England handled approximately 2.5 million patients monthly during May, June, and July, with heat identified as a primary contributing factor. London’s ambulance service responded to 25,000 additional calls compared to the previous summer, surpassing previous peaks reached during the Covid-19 pandemic. Hospital staff reported working under dangerous conditions, with nurses experiencing collapse due to extreme heat in facilities.
Experts and officials characterize the situation as a growing crisis requiring immediate action. Climate scientists warn that heat-related deaths may soon surpass cold-related fatalities as temperatures continue rising with the climate crisis. The Committee on Climate Change has recommended installing air conditioning in hospitals and care homes within a decade and in schools within 25 years, alongside establishing maximum temperature standards for workplaces. Continental Europe has also suffered significantly, with preliminary data indicating at least 35,000 excess deaths during the recent summer.
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