UK heat deaths now rival winter cold deaths, new data shows
New figures from the UK's Office for National Statistics show that heat-related deaths in England and Wales are now almost as numerous as cold-related deaths, with over 40,000 excess deaths on hot days since 1988. The gap has narrowed dramatically, and 2026 may see heat deaths exceed cold deaths for the first time. A series of hot summers driven by climate change is behind the trend.
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The ONS analysis isolates the mortality impact of the most extreme 2.5% of hot and cold days over nearly four decades, while statistically controlling for confounding factors like air pollution
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This summary is Al-enhanced to contain extended analysis and broader social context. The original is {NAME); the linked article is the authoritative source. Original headline: “Hot weather in the UK is now almost as deadly as a cold snap.” Browse more stories.