Fewer Heat-Related Deaths in UK Despite Record Warmest Summer
The United Kingdom recorded a notably lower number of heat-related deaths during summer 2025, despite it being the warmest summer on record. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reported approximately 1,504 heat-associated fatalities in England, which is roughly half of the anticipated 3,039 deaths.
This outcome occurred despite the summer experiencing four heatwaves, a peak temperature of nearly 36°C, and an average temperature of 16.1°C, making it the warmest summer since records began. The Met Office confirmed that while there were four heatwaves, they were relatively short and did not set new individual temperature records, with the highest temperature reaching 35.8°C in Faversham, Kent, on 1 July.
Mitigating Factors and Future Outlook
The UKHSA attributes the reduced mortality to the effectiveness of heat health alerts and proactive measures implemented across the National Health Service and the broader care system. Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at UKHSA, stated that the lower-than-expected deaths “suggests that the actions taken across the health and care system may be helping to reduce harm.”
However, Dr Sousa cautioned that continuous vigilance is crucial “as periods of heat become more intense, longer and more frequent,” emphasising that “coordinated preparation and response remain essential to protect the most vulnerable in our society.” As in previous years, older age groups, particularly those aged 75 and over, exhibited the highest rates of heat-associated mortality due to their increased vulnerability to heat stress.
Looking ahead, the Met Office forecasts global average temperatures in 2026 to be around 1.46°C above pre-industrial levels, positioning it among the four warmest years on record. While no specific UK localised figures are available for the coming year, the recent winter season has been relatively mild.
