We should not dismiss the risks from heatwaves and the air pollution that accompanies them. Between 400 and 800 people are estimated to have died from breathing ozone that formed close to the ground in the UK in the hot days of August 2003. Forest, grass and heathland fires can add to the pollution risk, too.
Despite record-breaking temperatures on Tuesday 19 July this year, we did not have record-breaking pollution. The maximum ozone concentrations at the ground was about 40% of that measured in the 1976 heatwave, but a large area of eastern England did measure “high” air pollution, as defined by the UK government. This is the point where vulnerable people are advised to avoid outdoor activities.
