UK experiences third heatwave of 2023 as Europe deals with record June heat

The UK is experiencing its third heatwave of 2023, with temperatures exceeding 35C (95F) on Thursday, as western Europe grapples with the consequences of the hottest June on record. According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), amber heat health alerts have been expanded to cover all regions of England except the north-east, indicating significant health impacts due to the extreme heat.

Record Temperatures and Health Concerns

On Thursday, temperatures in Surrey surpassed 35C, while the provisional high of 37.7C was recorded in Norfolk on June 26. The UK Met Office noted that this marked the eighth day in 2023 where temperatures exceeded 34C, breaking previous records from 2020 and 1976 by one day. The ongoing heatwave could be one of the longest since the deadly 1976 heatwave, which resulted in 250 fatalities.

Professor Friederike Otto from Imperial College London emphasized that the climate crisis is intensifying heatwaves, stating, "The heat we have seen this summer is only possible because of the 1.4C of climate change we have to date, due to the burning of fossil fuels." She cautioned against referring to this as the "new normal," highlighting the unstable nature of the current climate.

Impact Across Europe

Countries in western Europe are still assessing the fallout from the recent heatwave. Belgium reported 1,747 excess deaths due to the heat, while Germany's Robert Koch Institute recorded 5,120 heat-related fatalities this summer. Early estimates suggest that the total death toll across Europe could exceed 20,000.

In France, the extreme heat has led to the shutdown of a nuclear reactor, prompting calls for improved housing conditions to mitigate public health risks. France’s high council on climate urged policymakers to enhance housing stock and create shaded green spaces in urban areas to combat the effects of climate change.

Strain on Infrastructure and Services

The NHS in England is facing unprecedented pressure during this heatwave, with average A&E attendances exceeding 80,000 for the first time in June. This surge in attendance is attributed to both the heatwave and ongoing sporting events such as the World Cup. South Central ambulance service noted a 118% increase in emergency calls directing the public to collect defibrillators for cardiac arrests during the heatwave.

Additionally, over 1,000 schools across the UK were closed or partially closed during the June heatwave. Water companies are reporting increased demand, with hosepipe bans implemented for South East Water customers in parts of Kent and across one million Southern Water customers in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Supermarkets have struggled to maintain refrigeration in the extreme heat, leading to empty shelves.