Record excess deaths in UK's heatwave summer

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 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."