The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has estimated there were 2,877 heat-associated deaths during periods of hot weather in May and June 2026, nearly double the figure reported for 2025. The interim figures include 753 deaths associated with the May heat episode from May 24 to 27 and 2,124 from the June heatwave between June 21 and 28.
Record Temperatures and Health Alerts
The June heatwave lasted eight days and triggered a red heat-health alert, only the second time the highest level of alert has been issued in England. Both May and June broke Met Office monthly temperature records for England, with 31.5C recorded at Kew Gardens on May 26 and 37.7C recorded at Lingwood, Norfolk on June 26. The UKHSA said "these findings demonstrate the importance of the heat-health alerting system, delivered in partnership with the Met Office, which provides early warning when temperatures are likely to have significant impacts on health and wellbeing."
Vulnerable Populations at Risk
Dr Ross Thompson, principal environmental public health scientist at UKHSA and author of the report, 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. 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 to the heat are protected.”
Government and NHS Response
Health and Social Care Secretary, Yvette Cooper, said: “The sweltering heat has had a serious impact this summer on people’s health and on our NHS. For many years, we have been used to winter pressures in our NHS and the need to support those who are vulnerable in the coldest weather. But now we are seeing the summer heat have an increasingly serious impact on the health of thousands of people, and on the pressures facing our NHS too. My thoughts are with all those who have lost loved ones as a result of the long and intense heatwaves in recent months. And 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. As we move through the summer, it is so important for people to be able to look out for their health and help those who are more vulnerable to the hot conditions. Please don't hesitate to seek help if you're worried about your own wellbeing, or anyone else's. A little care could make a lifesaving difference.”
