England heat-related deaths exceed expectations by over 40,000 since 1988

Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reveals that over 40,000 more people have died during extreme heat days in England between 1988 and 2025 than would be expected under normal temperature conditions. This trend shows a significant increase in heat-related mortality in recent years.

In the most recent analyzed period, 2,805 deaths in England and Wales were linked to hot days, surpassing the 2,244 deaths linked to cold temperatures. During the heatwaves of May and June alone, approximately 2,877 people died, according to health authorities.

The rising temperatures have placed unprecedented pressure on the healthcare system. British hospitals have experienced some of their busiest periods on record, with emergency departments seeing high patient volumes. Nursing unions have also reported staff struggling to work in extreme conditions. Experts, including Bob Ward from the Grantham Institute for Climate Change, have described the situation as a “shocking national scandal,” warning that climate change and an aging population will continue to exacerbate the risks for vulnerable groups such as the elderly and children.