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Data from a Climate Barometer & Flooded People survey carried out in March-April 2026 shows how politics plays a clear role in reported experience of heat, drought and wildfires amongst the UK public.
Green (59%), Plaid (55%) and Labour backers (54%) were the most likely to report personal experience of heatwaves/extreme heat, while Liberal Democrats were the most likely to say they have experienced drought and water scarcity (18%).
Plaid Cymru backers were the most likely to highlight an experience of wildfires – even ahead of this summer’s ‘firewave‘, which saw a number of major fires across Wales. They are followed by SNP backers (11%) showing how geography likely plays a role here too.
Yet Reform UK backers are the ones who diverge the most – just 32% report experience of heatwaves and extreme heat – and just 3% say they have experienced wildfires.
Commentary & Analysis
24th September 2026
Here’s how public views have shifted over the summer – and introducing a new ‘health check’ of climate opinion.
More than 40,000 extra people died on England’s hottest days between 1988 and 2025 compared with what would be expected in normal temperatures, according to new ONS data.
Deaths from high heat are expected to keep climbing as climate change and an ageing population combine, with older people, children and the unwell most at risk.
The strain has been visible across the health system: A&E departments saw their busiest period on record, with almost 2.5 million attendances a month in May, June and July, with record-breaking heat cited as a key factor. Nurses reported collapsing on shift amid what their union called “inhumane and impossible” conditions.
A new resource on heat, drought and wildfires
How have experiences, perceptions and narratives about heat changed across recent years? To find out, check out this new resource, co-developed with partners.