The UK Health Security Agency estimated 2,877 heat-associated deaths in England during the May and June 2026 heatwaves, almost double the total for the whole summer in 2025. UKHSA counted 753 excess deaths in the 24 to 27 May event and 2,124 between 21 and 28 June, using excess mortality compared with similar non-heatwave periods; the agency said figures may change slightly when full death records arrive. The 2022 record of 2,985 heat-related deaths remains the highest but August, traditionally the hottest month, is yet to arrive, leaving England on track to record its highest ever summer total. Health secretary Yvette Cooper expressed condolences and thanked NHS staff and emergency responders, while UKHSA principal scientist Dr Ross Thompson warned hotter, longer heatwaves are expected as the climate warms. Imperial College co-author Dr Garyfallos Konstantinoudis said the analysis confirms the significant health impact and called for urgent adaptation of homes, care settings, and infrastructure alongside efforts to reach net zero. Some ambulance services reported record numbers of calls during the heatwaves, and new temperature highs included 38C at Lingwood, Norfolk in June and 31.5C at Kew Gardens in May.
