More Than 40,000 Deaths Linked to Extreme Temperatures in England, Experts Call It a “National Scandal

In England, more than 40,000 people died during periods of extreme temperatures between 1988 and 2025, compared with the number of deaths that would have been recorded under normal weather conditions.

Figures released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show that deaths linked to high temperatures have risen sharply in recent years.

In the latest year covered by the analysis, 2,805 deaths in England and Wales were attributed to the hottest days. This figure was higher than the 2,244 deaths linked to cold weather.

Meanwhile, this summer is expected to set further records. British health authorities report that around 2,877 people died during the heatwaves recorded in May and June.

Although cold weather has historically been responsible for more deaths, the data show that the gap compared with deaths caused by high temperatures has narrowed significantly in recent years.

Climate change and the continued rise in temperatures could make the situation even worse, experts warn. Older people, children and those with health conditions are at greatest risk.

High temperatures have also increased pressure on the healthcare system. This summer, British hospitals have faced one of their busiest periods on record.

In response, experts are calling for immediate action to adapt homes, hospitals and infrastructure to rising temperatures. Bob Ward of the Grantham Institute for Climate Change described the situation as “a shocking national scandal.”