Heat-related health impacts in England

Research and statistical data indicate a growing public health crisis regarding extreme heat in England. A study by the United Nations University’s Institute for Water, Environment and Health found that 41 percent of adults who received formal heat alerts took no protective action, often due to a lack of perceived personal risk. Lead author Dr. Mehri Khosravi noted a cultural tendency to view heat as ‘good weather’ or a risk applicable only to the very old and ill.

Complementary data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows that between 1988 and 2025, over 40,000 more people died during extreme heat days in England than would be expected under normal conditions. Recent figures show heat-linked deaths in England and Wales have surpassed those linked to cold temperatures.

This trend has placed significant pressure on the healthcare system, with hospitals experiencing record-high patient volumes and staff struggling to work in extreme conditions. Experts have described the situation as a “shocking national scandal,” warning that climate change and an aging population will continue to increase risks for vulnerable groups.