One of my latest features for the Daily Express and Daily Mirror looked at the dangers of heat.
Health professionals warn we need to be more aware of – and prepared for – the adverse effects that extreme heat can have on our health
Last summer’s scorching temperatures – with highs of over 40C recorded for the first time ever in the UK – were an all too glaring reminder that climate change is happening in the here and now.
Experts say evidence shows heatwaves are likely to occur more often, be more intense and last longer in the years and decades ahead.
And, as well affecting the environment and infrastructure, plus making daily life uncomfortable, extreme heat can have a huge impact on our health.
Studies show that, with high temperatures comes higher than average death rates. A joint report by UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Office for National Statistics (ONS), for example, found that during one heat-period last year (10 to 25 July) there were 2,227 excess deaths – 10.4% above average.
My article looked at who’s most at risk, plus what you can do to stay safe in soaring temperatures.