England is on track to record its highest ever number of heat-related deaths this summer, after the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) estimated that 2,877 people died during the May and June heatwaves. The previous record, set in 2022, was 2,985 deaths, and August, typically the hottest month, has yet to arrive.
Breakdown of deaths
The UKHSA analysis estimated 753 deaths occurred during the heatwave from 24 to 27 May, and a further 2,124 between 21 and 28 June. The total is almost double the figure for the whole summer in 2025. The estimate is based on recorded deaths, calculating excess mortality compared with periods without heatwaves. These figures align with a separate study published on 13 July that used a different method based on historical links between heat and mortality.
Official reaction
Health secretary Yvette Cooper said: “My thoughts are with all those who have lost loved ones as a result of the long and intense heatwaves.” She added that the heat was having “an increasingly serious impact on the health of thousands of people, and on the pressures facing our NHS too. My heartfelt thanks go to the NHS staff, care workers and emergency responders who have worked tirelessly through these exceptionally busy and challenging months to protect and care for people affected by the heat.”
Dr Ross Thompson, principal environmental public health scientist at UKHSA, said: “The new figures highlight the significant danger that very hot weather can pose to people’s health. As the climate becomes warmer, we can expect periods of hot weather to become longer, more frequent and more extreme. That’s why it’s vital that individuals, communities and systems are prepared to deal with higher temperatures, and to ensure those most vulnerable are protected.”
Climate context
Heatwaves are made more intense and more likely by the fossil-fuel-driven climate crisis. The heatwave affecting western Europe at the end of June was the most severe and widespread ever recorded. The heat in 2027 will be exacerbated by a looming super El Niño weather system, and temperatures will continue to rise until carbon emissions are cut to net zero. During the June heatwave, a new high temperature for the month of 38°C was recorded at Lingwood, Norfolk, while the 31.5°C recorded at Kew Gardens in May was a new record for that month.
Expert commentary
Dr Garyfallos Konstantinoudis, of Imperial College London and co-author of the 13 July study, said: “The UKHSA’s analysis provides clear, tragic confirmation of the significant health impact these heatwaves had across England and Wales. Extended periods of extreme heat place immense strain on the human body. Let’s not forget that behind these numbers are real people who died too soon. We must take urgent action to adapt our homes, care settings, and infrastructure, while doubling down on global efforts to reach net zero and stop temperatures rising further.”
Some ambulance services reported a record number of calls during the heatwaves. The UKHSA estimate may see small changes in the coming months when full death records are available.
