England recorded an estimated 2,877 heat-associated deaths during two periods of extreme heat in May and June 2026, the United Kingdom Health Security Agency has said, warning that the year could record the highest number of heat-related deaths in the country’s history.
The figures, described as interim, are almost double the annual total reported for 2025 and are already approaching the all-time annual record of 2,985 heat-associated deaths set in 2022.
An estimated 753 deaths were linked to the heat episode between 24 and 27 May, while a further 2,124 were associated with the June heatwave, which lasted from 21 to 28 June.
The June heatwave triggered a red heat-health alert, only the second time the highest level of alert had been issued in England, reflecting the exceptional temperatures recorded.
Both months broke long-standing temperature records.
A temperature of 31.5 degrees Celsius was recorded at Kew Gardens on 26 May, while 37.7 degrees Celsius was recorded at Lingwood, Norfolk, on 26 June.
Researchers from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Imperial College London and the Met Office estimated that approximately 42 per cent of the heat-related deaths across both heatwaves were attributable to the additional heat caused by human-induced climate change.
“Based on the interim data, it is likely that 2026 could see the highest number of heat-associated deaths on record,” the UK Health Security Agency said, stressing the need for communities and services to prepare for hot weather from the start of summer rather than only at its height.
Dr Mark McCarthy, Manager of Climate Attribution at the Met Office, said: “2026 has been exceptional for the two early-season heatwaves in May and June.
These have smashed records that had stood from May 1944 and June 1976 respectively. For the time of year, these events were extreme, even in our warmer climate.”
The UK Health Security Agency said the excess mortality figure was calculated by comparing the average number of deaths on days when temperatures exceeded 20 degrees Celsius with the average number recorded on cooler days.
Final figures will be published in the agency’s annual report in early 2027.
(The Whistler)