[bitontheslide]

As the UK endured record high temperatures of 40C this summer, there were around 3,000 more deaths than usual in England and Wales - the highest figure since 2004.

Most of the deaths were people over 65, and many happened during the hottest days towards the end of July.

The data comes from a report by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).

Experts say it shows just how dangerous hot weather can be.

"These estimates show clearly that high temperatures can lead to premature death for those who are vulnerable," said Isabel Oliver, chief scientific officer at the UKHSA.

"A warming climate means we must adapt to living safely with hotter summers in the future."

There were five heat-periods between June and August 2022 - defined as days when the average temperature is greater than 20°C in central England.

During those periods, there were 3,271 excess deaths - 6.2% above the five-year average - out of a total of 56,303 deaths in England and Wales.

The report also found:

more excess deaths in women (2,159) compared with men (1,115)
each heat-period was followed by a fall in deaths to below the average, suggesting deaths among the most vulnerable happened earlier than they would have done
there were 1,458 excess deaths in over-65s from 8-17 August - the deadliest period of heat
The analysis of deaths was compiled by the ONS using information from death registrations.

Sarah Caul, head of mortality analysis at the ONS, said: "During the UK summer of record-breaking temperatures, there was an increase in deaths.

"However, these spikes around the hottest days were followed by periods of below average mortality.

"This is likely to be a result of short-term mortality displacement, especially among older age groups, where people died a few days or weeks earlier than expected."

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-63171417

[arista]

Yes expected,
worse in other nations, though

[Mystic Mock]

My advice to anyone is to make sure that you're always hydrated.

In heatwaves especially, you can't be moving about in those kinds of temperatures without drinking Water.

And yes I know that I'm stating the obvious, but sadly not everyone does the obvious.

[Gusto Brunt]

I'd just like to set the record straight. Yes, the South of the UK did experience very hot weather for long periods.

BUT, in the North East where I am, we had a moderately warm summer - tempertures averaging around 22c.

Even on the hottest day, we only got 31c.

But in the South-obessessed media, it seemed the whole country was basking in extreme heat.

NOT TRUE.