Thousands have died during England’s May and June heatwaves, putting 2026 on course to become the deadliest year for extreme heat since official monitoring began.
A rapid assessment by the UK Health Security Agency estimates 2,877 heat-associated deaths during two periods of exceptionally hot weather.
Around 753 deaths were linked to the heat episode between 24 and 27 May, with a further 2,124 associated with the eight-day heatwave from 21 to 28 June.
The total is already almost double the 1,504 heat-associated deaths recorded across the whole of summer 2025.
UKHSA warned the figure is approaching the annual record of 2,985 deaths reported in 2022, despite the assessment covering only the first two major heat events of this summer.
The June heatwave triggered a red heat-health alert, only the second time the highest warning level has been issued in England.
Temperatures reached 37.7°C at Lingwood in Norfolk on 26 June, breaking England’s monthly record. May also set a new high when Kew Gardens recorded 31.5°C on 26 May.
Officials said heat earlier in the season can be particularly dangerous because people, communities and health services have had less time to adapt to warmer conditions.
Older adults and people with underlying medical conditions face the greatest risks, although high temperatures can affect anyone. Heat can place additional strain on the heart and lungs, worsen existing illnesses and increase the risk of dehydration and heatstroke.
The findings also underline the growing pressure climate change is placing on the NHS, care services, housing and local authorities.
Dr Ross Thompson, Principal Environmental Public Health Scientist at UKHSA, said: “These figures highlight the significant danger that very hot weather can pose to people’s health. This is particularly true for those who are more vulnerable including older adults and people with underlying medical conditions.
“While the figures are interim, they suggest that, if we experience more periods of hot weather this summer, we could see the highest number of heat-associated deaths on record.”
UKHSA has updated its Adverse Weather and Health Plan for England, setting out how health services, councils and other organisations should prepare for extreme temperatures.
The agency said heatwaves are expected to become longer, more frequent and more extreme as the climate warms.
Final figures for 2026 will be published in early 2027, with the current estimate of 2,877 deaths still subject to revision.
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