UK health agency reports record heat‑related deaths in May‑June 2026

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) estimated 2,877 excess deaths linked to the May and June 2026 heatwaves – almost double the total recorded for the whole of 2025. The May heatwave caused an estimated 753 deaths between 24‑27 May, while the June event resulted in about 2,124 deaths from 21‑28 June, marking the second occurrence of a red heat‑health alert.

Temperatures hit record highs, with 31.5 °C recorded at Kew Gardens on 26 May and 37.7 °C at Lingwood, Norfolk on 26 June. The agency warned that 2026 could see the highest number of heat‑associated deaths on record, potentially surpassing the 2,985 deaths recorded in 2022.

UKHSA principal environmental public health scientist Ross Thompson said, "These figures highlight the significant danger that very hot weather can pose to people's health, especially for the vulnerable." Health and Social Care Secretary Yvette Cooper added, "The sweltering heat has had a serious impact this summer on people's health and on our NHS."

The Environment Agency also declared that 51.4 % of England is officially in drought, affecting water supplies, agriculture and wildfire risk.