Extreme heat is now considered the deadliest weather and climate-related hazard in Europe, causing more deaths than floods or storms.

Research shows there are high levels of heat-related deaths in European countries. For instance, in 2022 Italy (18,010 deaths), Spain (11,324) Germany (8,173), France (4,807), and the United Kingdom (3,469) were the countries with the highest numbers of summer heat-related deaths in Europe.

But my new research suggests the current warning system may be failing to get people in England to take any preventative steps during heatwaves.

To help protect the UK public, the UK Health Security Agency and Met Office issue heat-health alerts ranging from yellow (least severe) to red (most severe). An amber alert, was issued for the West Midlands, East Midlands, east of England, south-east, and London on May 22 2026. At the same time a yellow alert was issued for the north-east, north-west, south-west, and Yorkshire and the Humber regions.

These alerts are designed to help reduce demands on the health and social care systems and to encourage people to take precautions during periods of dangerous heat. While yellow alerts represent the lowest level of warning, with amber and red........

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