France's historic 2019 heatwave, which saw temperatures hit an unprecedented 45.9°C in Gallargues-le-Montueux, serves as a stark reminder as the Met Office issues current warnings for extreme heat in the UK. Professor Stephen Belcher CBE, Met Office Chief Scientist, stated in June 2026 that human-induced climate change makes such events 'more likely and more intense', highlighting the significant health implications.
The 2019 European heatwave was linked to over 567 deaths across the continent in its initial phase. France alone estimated 1,435 additional deaths due to the heatwave. Overall, the summer heatwave in Europe was identified as the deadliest disaster of 2019, with an excess mortality toll exceeding 2,500 people.
The UK was also significantly affected in 2019. A second heatwave in late July saw the country break its all-time temperature record, reaching 38.7°C at Cambridge University Botanic Garden. Public Health England reported 900 excess deaths in the UK from the 2019 heatwave.
To help mitigate future risks, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), in partnership with the Met Office, operates a Heat-health Alert Service. This system forewarns health and social care professionals of periods of high temperatures that may affect public health, allowing them to prepare and reduce harm.
What to do immediately during extreme heat
When extreme heat warnings are in place, take these steps to protect yourself and others:
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, even if you don't feel thirsty. Avoid excessive alcohol and sugary drinks.
- Keep cool: Stay indoors in the coolest parts of your home, especially between 11 am and 3 pm. Close curtains and blinds to block out the sun.
- Check on vulnerable people: Look in on older people, very young children, and those with underlying health conditions, as they are most at risk.
- Avoid strenuous activity: If you must go outside, try to do so in the early morning or late evening when temperatures are lower.
- Recognise symptoms: Be aware of signs of heat exhaustion (headache, dizziness, nausea, excessive sweating, pale skin) and heatstroke (hot dry skin, confusion, seizures, loss of consciousness). Seek medical help if symptoms worsen or do not improve.
Beyond heat, the summer of 2019 also saw significant rainfall and flooding in the UK. Lincolnshire experienced 130mm of rain over three days in June 2019, leading to the flooding of 59 properties in Wainfleet. In July 2019, parts of the Yorkshire Dales saw 112mm of rain in three hours, a 1-in-1000-year event that destroyed bridges and flooded up to 90 properties. The Environment Agency provided evidence that these extreme rainfall events constituted a natural disaster.
Heatwaves pose serious health risks, leading to sharp increases in deaths. Older people, very young children, and individuals with existing heart or breathing problems are particularly vulnerable. Heat exposure can cause dehydration, overheating, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke, and is also linked to premature births.
What this means for you
Understanding the risks of extreme weather, both heat and heavy rainfall, is crucial for your safety and well-being. Follow official Met Office and UKHSA guidance during alerts to protect yourself and your family from serious health impacts.
What happens next
The UKHSA and Met Office will continue to issue Heat-health Alerts as required, providing timely information to health and social care professionals and the public. Stay informed by checking official Met Office forecasts and UKHSA advice during periods of hot weather.
Why this matters
The extreme weather events of 2019, coupled with current Met Office warnings, underscore the growing impact of climate change on daily life. Preparing for and responding to these events is essential for public health and safety across the UK.
Sources
- Met Office — June 2026 statement from Professor Stephen Belcher CBE
- Met Office — 2019 temperature records and rainfall data
- UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) — Heat-health Alert Service information
- Public Health England — 2019 heatwave excess deaths report
- Environment Agency — 2019 flooding evidence
- French Government — Prime Minister Edouard Philippe's 2019 statement
- GOV.UK — Adverse Weather and Health Plan