<
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/jul/30/excess-deaths-caused-by-heatwaves-in-england-almost-double-so-far-this-year>
"England is on track to record its highest ever number of heat-related deaths
this summer after the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) announced that an
estimated 2,877 people had died in the May and June heatwaves.
The record was set in 2022 with 2,985 deaths, and August, traditionally the
hottest month, is yet to arrive. The health secretary, Yvette Cooper, said: “My
thoughts are with all those who have lost loved ones as a result of the long
and intense heatwaves.”
The UKHSA analysis estimated there were 753 deaths in the the heatwave from 24
to 27 May and a further 2,124 between 21 and 28 June. The total is almost
double the figure for the whole summer in 2025.
The UKHSA estimate is based on recorded deaths. It calculates the excess
mortality during the heatwaves when compared with mortality levels at similar
times of the year that did not experience heatwaves. The figures are similar to
an estimate published on 13 July that used a different method, based on data
showing the link between heat and deaths in the past.
Heatwaves are made more intense and more likely by the fossil-fuel-driven
climate crisis; the heatwave that affected western Europe at the end of June
was the most severe and widespread ever. The heat in 2027 will be exacerbated
by a looming super El Niño weather system and temperatures will continue to
rise until carbon emissions are cut to net zero."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
