As Britain experiences its third heatwave of the summer, a new poll reveals that up to two-thirds of the population are finding it difficult to sleep due to unseasonably warm nights. The ongoing hot weather is forecast to bring temperatures as high as 35C (95F) by the end of the week, with southern England already seeing highs above 30C (86F).
Amber heat health alerts have been issued for various regions across southern England, East Anglia, and the Midlands, effective from tomorrow morning through Saturday evening. Forecasters anticipate that parts of the country could experience "tropical nights," where temperatures remain in the low 20s Celsius (70s Fahrenheit) overnight, a level more typical for daytime summer temperatures.
The environmental group Greenpeace commissioned a YouGov poll of 2,135 individuals, which found that two in three participants struggled with sleep during the June heatwave. Nearly half of those surveyed reported losing at least three hours of sleep per night.
The poll also highlighted broader impacts of the heat. Eighty-six percent of respondents stated their homes were too hot, and a quarter reported that they or a household member felt physically unwell. Approximately one in five individuals had to cancel social plans due to the heat.
Looking ahead, over half of those polled believe their homes require upgrades like air conditioning to manage future heatwaves, but a significant majority (78 percent) indicated they would find the cost prohibitive. Nearly half expressed support for a levy on high-polluting companies to fund such improvements.
Workplace conditions were also affected, with 60 percent of people reporting their offices were too hot, and one in ten feeling that their working conditions were unsafe. Mel Evans, head of climate at Greenpeace UK, commented that the poll underscores the "brutal reality of dragging our feet on climate action, such as mass sleep deprivation." She added, "Heatwaves are now a creeping health, housing, and economic emergency that is costing families money they don't have."
Dr. Laurence Wainwright of the University of Oxford noted that sleep is greatly impacted during heatwaves, with significant implications including reduced work performance, increased accidents, lower academic scores, and a decline in mental health.
This current heatwave follows a summer of record-breaking temperatures. Britain's hottest June temperature of 37.7C (99.86F) was recorded on June 27 in Lingwood, Norfolk. That month also saw record overnight minimums, with temperatures in Wales and England not falling below 23.5C (74.3F) and 23.2C (73.8F) respectively. Earlier in May, a UK record of 35.1C (95.2F) was set at Kew Gardens, London.
The government's Climate Change Committee had previously warned that Britain was "built for a climate that no longer exists" and emphasized the need for urgent changes.
The Meteorological Office forecasts suggest the current heatwave may break down with thunderstorms over the weekend. Deputy Chief Forecaster Steven Keates stated that while this heatwave is not expected to be record-breaking, "there is a chance that a tropical night... may be recorded in a few places." The heat is expected to affect much of England and Wales, extending into parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland. 
