Heat-related deaths in 2025 were fewer despite warmest summer

The UK Health Security Agency reported about 1,504 heat-associated deaths in England for summer 2025, roughly half the predicted figure; the Met Office said 2025 was the warmest UK summer on record with a mean temperature of 16.1C.

England recorded far fewer heat-associated deaths in summer 2025 than officials had expected. The UK Health Security Agency reported around 1,504 heat-associated deaths, about half of the 3,039 that had been predicted. The Met Office described 2025 as the warmest UK summer on record, with a season mean temperature of 16.1C and four relatively short heatwaves. The UKHSA said heat-health alerts and actions across the NHS and care system are likely to have reduced the impact. Key facts: - The UK Health Security Agency reported about 1,504 heat-associated deaths in England for summer 2025, roughly half the 3,039 figure that had been predicted. - The Met Office said 2025 had the warmest UK summer on record by mean temperature (16.1C) and recorded four short heatwaves, though peak daily temperatures did not exceed some past records. - Officials reported that heat-health alerts and coordinated action across health and care services are likely to have helped reduce harm, and they noted that continued vigilance is needed as heat periods change. Summary: Officials said the lower-than-expected deaths suggest that health alerts and coordinated actions across services may have reduced harm, with older age groups still showing the highest heat-associated mortality rates. The Met Office outlook points to continued warm tendencies globally into 2026 and mixed seasonal weather for the UK. Undetermined at this time.