Most vulnerable at risk amid rising UK temperatures

Research also highlights growing concerns about overheating in homes, hospitals and care settings, while heat is disproportionately affecting disadvantaged people

Older people, care home residents and people living in poor-quality housing are facing increasing health risks as warmer temperatures become more common across the UK, according to researchers and public health experts.

Experts say extreme heat is no longer just an environmental issue but an escalating public health challenge, with vulnerable groups and disadvantaged communities experiencing the greatest impact.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) Europe has described extreme summer heat as “a critical public health issue amplified by climate change” while Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe warned, “Heatwaves are no longer freak weather anomalies. They are now a recurring crisis inflicting suffering, claiming lives and fracturing our health systems and infrastructure.” 

The warning follows a record-breaking spring which saw temperatures reach 35.1°C during May, setting a new UK record for the month. Yellow-heat health alerts — issued when temperatures are expected to climb to 32°C - 33°C — were also given in parts of the UK in mid-June. 

The health consequences of rising temperatures can be severe. Dr Akshay Deoras, Senior Research Scientist at the National Centre for Atmospheric Science and Department of Meteorology, University of Reading, said, “Even under a yellow heat health alert, which is classed as low impact, the risk is not low for everyone.

“Prolonged warmth can place strain on the body, and repeated days of humid weather can lead to cumulative fatigue, particularly for older adults, young children and those with underlying health conditions.” 

New research led by the University of East London (UEL) also highlights growing concerns about overheating in homes, hospitals and care settings. The study found that rising indoor temperatures are already affecting safety, wellbeing and care delivery, while current regulations are failing to adequately protect those who are more susceptible.

“Extreme heat is already putting the most vulnerable people at risk… Yet our current systems are not designed to protect them.” 

Dr Mehri Khosravi, Senior Research Fellow at UEL's Sustainable Research Institute and lead author of the study, said, “Extreme heat is already putting the most vulnerable people at risk, particularly those in care settings and poor-quality housing. Yet our current systems are not designed to protect them.” 

She added, “We need to stop thinking of overheating as just a building problem. It is a public health issue that requires coordinated action across housing, healthcare and climate policy.” 

Researchers warned that some modern energy-efficient homes may be more prone to overheating because insulation and airtight construction can trap heat indoors during summer months. 

The health burden is also being felt unevenly across society. 

Research by the Policy Institute at King's College London found that Londoners experiencing financial hardship during the final heatwave of 2025 were more than twice as likely to be severely affected by extreme temperatures than those who were financially secure. 

In addition, 27% of people who said they were “living comfortably” reported conditions were much too hot, and this rose to 56% among those finding finances “very difficult”.

Kirstie Hewlett, Senior Research Fellow at the Policy Institute, King's College London, said, “It's clear that rising temperatures are becoming an increasing challenge for Londoners. Our findings show that those already facing financial hardship or living in more exposed housing conditions are more likely to feel the effects of rising temperatures.”

With heatwaves becoming more frequent and intense, experts say adaptation measures, targeted support and stronger public health planning will be essential to protect communities as UK temperatures continue to rise.