The West Midlands recorded 142 heat-associated deaths last summer, the second highest in the UK, according to UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) data. Only London saw more fatalities, with 317 deaths. The figures come as the Met Office issued a rare red extreme heat warning for the region, warning of danger to life even for healthy individuals.
Heatwave Deaths Across the UK
Across the UK, 1,504 deaths were linked to five heat episodes where average temperatures reached at least 20°C. The highest numbers were in London (317), West Midlands (142), Essex (120), and Northumbria (81). When adjusted for population, Bedfordshire had the highest rate at nine deaths per 100,000 people, followed by Durham and Norfolk with seven per 100,000.
Prevention Measures Saved Lives
Statistical models predicted the death toll could have been twice as high, estimating 3,049 potential deaths. However, 1,535 lives were saved due to prevention measures, including the Adverse Weather and Health Plan, heat alerts, and actions across health, social care, and emergency sectors. This year's deaths were 193 more than the cool summer of 2024 but far fewer than 2023 (2,295) and 2022 (2,985).
Current Red Warning and Risks
The UKHSA issued a red health warning for six regions, including the West Midlands, from 1am Wednesday to 11pm Thursday. This extreme alert indicates a risk to life for even healthy populations, with potential disruptions to transport, food, water, energy, and businesses. This is only the second red heat health warning ever issued in the UK. An amber alert covers the North West, North East, and Yorkshire and Humber.
Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, said: “Very hot weather is forecast across large parts of England in the coming days, and we are urging health and social care services across the country to ensure they are prepared. It is vitally important that people understand the risk posed by high temperatures like these, and take steps to keep themselves and their friends, families and neighbours safe.”
Local Tragedies and Advice
Already this year, the West Midlands has seen deaths at water spots. On June 24, a man's body was pulled from a canal in Birmingham city centre. On June 22, a woman was found dead in a canal lock in Kidderminster. On May 25, 16-year-old Lillianna Tomlinson died at Kingsbury Water Park. Dr Will Lang, chief meteorologist at the Met Office, said: “We are forecasting extreme temperatures in the next few days, particularly on Wednesday and Thursday, when it looks like we’ll be seeing maximum temperatures into the high 30s. But also we are stressing very high overnight temperatures, which will be very uncomfortable for vulnerable groups, and very humid conditions as well.”
UKHSA advice includes keeping homes cool by closing windows and curtains, avoiding direct sunlight between 11am and 3pm, covering up with hats and sunscreen, and planning physical activities for cooler times like morning or evening.
