Britain’s relentless heatwaves have claimed the lives of almost 3,000 people in just two months, with health experts warning the country is on course to record its deadliest summer ever as soaring temperatures are expected to continue into September.
New figures released by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) estimate that 2,877 people have died as a result of heat associated illnesses during the record breaking heatwaves in May and June. The total is already almost double the 1,504 excess heat related deaths recorded during the whole of last summer and is just short of the 2,985 deaths recorded during the historic heatwaves of 2022, the deadliest year on record.
Scientists believe that if further periods of extreme heat arrive in August or early September, 2026 is likely to become the worst year ever for heat associated deaths in the United Kingdom.
Dr Ross Thompson, Principal Environmental Health Scientist at UKHSA and lead author of the analysis, said the findings demonstrate the growing danger posed by prolonged hot weather.
He 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.”
According to the agency, the first major heatwave between May 24 and May 27 resulted in an estimated 753 excess deaths after temperatures climbed to 35.1C, the hottest May day ever recorded in the UK.
The second and far more intense heatwave between June 21 and June 28 was linked to 2,124 additional deaths as temperatures surged beyond 37C, making it one of the hottest June periods in British history.
The June heatwave also triggered an unprecedented three consecutive days of red extreme heat warnings, jointly issued by the UKHSA and the Met Office. The alert warned that the conditions posed a risk to everyone, not only vulnerable groups, with hospitals, care homes and ambulance services coming under severe pressure.
Several NHS trusts declared critical incidents as indoor temperatures on hospital wards climbed above 35C, while ambulance services reported spikes in emergency call outs linked to dehydration, heatstroke and cardiovascular illness. Care homes also faced growing challenges in protecting elderly residents from prolonged exposure to dangerous temperatures.
Health Secretary Yvette Cooper said the extreme weather had placed enormous pressure on both the NHS and social care services.
She 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.”
She urged the public to continue checking on elderly neighbours, relatives and those with existing medical conditions, stressing that seeking help early could save lives.
Water Minister Emma Hardy warned that Britain must adapt to a changing climate.
She said: “Our climate is changing, droughts are becoming increasingly common, and we need to be prepared for this new normal.”
The Met Office has forecast that August is likely to be warmer and drier than average, with forecasters also indicating that above normal temperatures could persist well into September. Parts of England have already experienced prolonged dry conditions, prompting growing concern over water shortages, hosepipe restrictions and increased wildfire risk.
Several water companies have introduced temporary use bans, while fire services across England have reported a sharp rise in grass and heathland fires during recent weeks as vegetation has dried out following months of below average rainfall.
This summer has already rewritten the UK’s weather record books. The Met Office confirmed 31.5C was recorded at Kew Gardens on May 26, making it the hottest May day on record, before 38.0C was recorded at Lingwood in Norfolk on June 26, the highest June temperature ever observed in the UK.
Scientists have repeatedly warned that climate change is making extreme heat events more frequent, more intense and longer lasting. Previous studies published in journals including The Lancet Public Health have estimated that thousands of heat related deaths now occur across Europe every summer, with older adults, people with heart and lung conditions, and those living in poorly ventilated homes facing the greatest risk.
The previous record for heat related deaths came in 2022, when five major heatwaves were linked to 2,985 excess deaths. That summer also saw Britain record its highest ever temperature of 40.3C at Coningsby in Lincolnshire on July 19, shattering the previous national record and marking a turning point in the country’s experience of extreme weather.
With forecasters expecting more hot spells before autumn arrives, health officials fear this summer could become the deadliest on record unless temperatures ease in the weeks ahead.
