Lived experiences and predictors of mental wellbeing impacts during the 2022 UK summer heatwave

Research into the effect of heatwaves on mental health is growing rapidly, but there is still limited engagement with the impacts of hot weather on sub-clinical mental wellbeing. This study explored UK residents’ accounts of how their mental wellbeing was impacted during an unprecedented heatwave that occurred in July 2022. We also sought to identify key predictors of an individual’s likelihood of experiencing negative heat-related impacts. Using qualitative and quantitative data gathered with a national survey (N = 1485), findings demonstrated that 43.5% of people experienced negative wellbeing impacts during the 2022 heatwave. These impacts included negative emotions, moods, and affective states; as well as adverse cognitive, physical, and social impacts. Age, distance from greenspace, caring responsibilities, and living with a disability or long-term health condition were significant risk factors for negative mental wellbeing effects. Social belonging and psychological resilience were shown to be protective factors. The frequency of extreme heat events occurring in the UK is projected to increase due to climate change. It is crucial for public health and climate change adaptation policy to appropriately reflect the sub-clinical yet substantive effects that heatwaves can have on mental wellbeing among the population, as well as the intersecting risk factors that shape vulnerability.