Scientists have confirmed that the sweltering heatwave that struck parts of England last weekend, leading to multiple fatalities, has been made at least 100 times more likely by human-induced climate change. The extreme temperatures, which soared above 34°C in southern regions, overwhelmed emergency services and raised fresh concerns over the country’s preparedness for increasingly severe weather events.
According to the Met Office and the international World Weather Attribution group, the specific heat event observed across large areas of the UK, particularly in the south-east and Midlands, would have been nearly impossible in a pre-industrial climate. Researchers analysed temperature data and climate models to determine the statistical likelihood of such an event occurring without the influence of greenhouse gas emissions, concluding that global warming played a dominant role.
At least 16 heat-related deaths were reported over the weekend, with most victims being elderly individuals or those with underlying health conditions. Several outdoor events were suspended, rail services were delayed due to track buckling, and hospitals issued warnings about a surge in heatstroke admissions.
The analysis showed that the heatwave’s intensity and duration were well outside historical norms for early June. “The fingerprints of climate change on this event are undeniable,” said Dr Friederike Otto, one of the lead researchers. “We are now in a world where deadly heat is no longer rare—even in a country with a traditionally temperate climate like the UK.”
Climate experts warned that the frequency of extreme heat days in Britain is set to rise sharply over the coming decades, with cities such as London, Birmingham and Manchester likely to face summer temperatures routinely exceeding 35°C by the 2040s if emissions are not rapidly reduced.
Public health officials also criticised the government’s heatwave response framework, calling it outdated and poorly communicated. The NHS Heatwave Plan for England, created in 2004, has not been adequately updated to reflect the rising intensity of modern climate events. “People need better guidance, especially vulnerable groups,” said Dr Melanie Jarrett, an emergency physician in Kent. “This is no longer a one-off situation.”
Local councils in affected areas are now reviewing emergency cooling centres and hydration campaigns to better respond to future events. Meanwhile, climate campaigners are urging more aggressive action on emissions, sustainable urban planning, and early-warning systems.
With the summer only just beginning, meteorologists are warning that further heat surges are likely, especially in July and August. As the atmosphere continues to trap more heat due to carbon emissions, Britain’s vulnerability to extreme weather is no longer a hypothetical concern but a present-day reality.
This latest heatwave, now confirmed as a product of the climate crisis, is a stark reminder that even in England, heat can be lethal—and is rapidly becoming more so.
newshub finance
Recent Comments