Over 1,000 Die from Heat in England During 2024

New figures show that over 1,000 people died in England last summer due to heat-related causes, despite the season being relatively mild. According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), 1,311 deaths were recorded during four official "heat episodes" in 2024—282 more than expected based on historical temperature-death trends.

Interestingly, these fatalities occurred even though only yellow heat-health alerts—the lowest level of warning—were issued. Yellow alerts indicate limited risk to the general population but warn of possible danger to vulnerable groups.

Environmental think tank Green Alliance responded to the findings by stating the UK is “clearly unprepared for rising extreme temperatures” and urged the government to take more decisive action to address the growing health risks posed by climate change.

The UKHSA's alert system is designed to warn the public and health services when temperature extremes may pose a health threat. A "heat episode" is triggered either when the average Central England Temperature exceeds 20°C or when at least one region receives an amber alert. In 2024, four such episodes occurred over a span of 14 days—among the shortest recorded since 2016.

Despite the relatively low temperatures and lack of amber alerts, three of the four episodes still led to significant increases in deaths. One period, from July 18 to 20, saw 467 heat-related fatalities alone.

Older adults were disproportionately affected. The data shows 521 deaths per million among those aged 85 and above, and 111 per million for those aged 75 to 84.

Sophie O’Connell, senior policy adviser at Green Alliance, said the numbers highlight how ill-prepared UK towns and cities are for rising temperatures. She emphasized that while climate change increases health risks, many of these outcomes—especially among vulnerable populations—can be prevented through focused interventions.

She added that protecting those most susceptible to heat, including older people, would bring broad benefits and is essential for adapting to extreme weather conditions. “If the Government is serious about creating an NHS fit for the future, these figures are a clear warning: it must act now,” she said.

Danny Gross, a climate campaigner with Friends of the Earth, called the figures “tragic evidence of the lethal impacts of climate breakdown.” He said the government’s upcoming climate strategy would reveal how committed it truly is to preventing future heat-related deaths. Gross urged the plan to also address energy costs, transportation improvements, and green job creation.

He also criticized the government's national adaptation programme, calling it “woefully inadequate” in the face of growing threats like heatwaves and floods.

Dr. Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at UKHSA, warned that periods of extreme heat are expected to become more frequent, prolonged, and intense due to global warming. He stressed the importance of a coordinated public health response, even during less severe heat events, to protect those most at risk.