Fewer Heat-Related Deaths Recorded in UK Despite Warmest Summer
England recorded approximately 1,504 heat-associated deaths during summer 2025, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). This figure represents roughly half of the 3,039 predicted, a notable outcome given that the season was the warmest on record.
Interventions Mitigate Impact
The UKHSA suggests that the implementation of heat health alerts and proactive measures across the NHS and care system likely played a crucial role in mitigating the impact of the elevated temperatures. Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at UKHSA, commented that the lower-than-expected death toll “suggests that the actions taken across the health and care system may be helping to reduce harm”.
Summer 2025 saw four heatwaves, though none were individually record-breaking. The highest temperature reached 35.8C, below the UK's all-time high of 40.3C. However, the season’s average temperature of 16.1C surpassed the previous record of 15.76C set in 2018.
Continued Vigilance Essential
While acknowledging the positive results, Dr Sousa cautioned that continued vigilance is imperative “as periods of heat become more intense, longer and more frequent”. He emphasised 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 heat-associated mortality rates due to increased vulnerability.
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. Locally, the UK has experienced a relatively mild winter. However, the Met Office has issued yellow wind warnings for parts of the UK over the upcoming Easter Bank Holiday, with gales and heavy rain expected in northern and western areas, alongside a chance of snow further north, while southern and eastern regions anticipate dry spells and warm sunshine.
