The hottest day in 2022 saw 638 more deaths than normal in England | United Kingdom weather

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The hottest day on record last summer resulted in 638 more deaths in England than usual, according to official figures, which experts said show the danger that extreme heat and climate change pose to human life.

The next day, when temperatures remained almost as high, 496 more people died than would normally be expected.

The spike in deaths on 19 and 20 July 2022, when temperatures rose above 40°C (104°F) for the first time ever, was revealed by the Office for National Statistics in data detailing daily deaths.

The additional death toll is higher than expected by experts at the London School of Tropical Hygiene and Medicine (LSTHM). With temperatures barely dropping below 27C at night, doctors have warned that dehydration, overheating, heat exhaustion and heatstroke can be fatal, especially for infants, the elderly, the homeless, outdoor workers and those with pre-existing medical conditions.

Over the two days, there were 3,805 deaths across England from all causes, 42% more than the five-year average of 2,671. At least six people died from water problems, but the highest number of deaths was expected among Older adults, especially those age 85 and over.

The UK Health and Security Agency previously estimated that the heatwave subsequently extended from August 8-17 saw an estimated 1,458 excess deaths, excluding Covid-19, in those over 65 years of age.

Age UK said the figures should be “a wake-up call for all of us”. Caroline Abrahams, director of the charity, said: “As we get older, our bodies find it more difficult to deal with extreme heat and cold, so as the planet warms and we seek to adapt our lifestyles, as well as reduce carbon emissions, this is something planners need to do.” Builders and the NHS are all calling for it to be increasingly taken into account.”

Hundreds of firefighters battled blazes across England as temperatures recorded at RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire rose to 40.3C – 1.6C higher than the previous high recorded in 2019.

“There is a very significant uptick on each of those two days,” said Professor Sir David Spiegelhelter, head of the Winton Center for Communication on Risk and Evidence at the University of Cambridge. Cold deaths tend to be more prevalent over time. Heat can kill suddenly. These excess deaths are only due to the heat because the altitude is so pronounced. Such a hike is rare unless there has been a major accident. It’s extraordinary data and shows extreme heat damage.”

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The Environment and Health Modeling Laboratory at LSTHM estimated the number of excess deaths at a total of 966 over four days. The government has declared a Level 4 heat alert, which means that “illness and death may occur among healthy and fit people, not just in high-risk groups.”

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