Key Summary
- The all-time annual record was set in 2022 with 2,985 heat-associated deaths.
- Both May and June also broke Met Office monthly temperature records for England.
- An estimated 753 deaths occurred in May, and 2,124 fatalities in June.
England is on track to record its highest ever number of heat-related deaths in a single summer, following official estimates from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) that an estimated 2,877 people died during heatwaves across May and June.
The all-time annual record was set in 2022 with 2,985 heat-associated deaths across the entire summer season. With August (traditionally the hottest month of the year) yet to arrive, health officials warn that the 2022 threshold is likely to be surpassed.
According to the UKHSA analysis, an estimated 753 deaths occurred during the heatwave between 24 and 27 May, while a further 2,124 fatalities occurred during the intense spell between 21 and 28 June.
The combined total is almost double the 1,504 heat-related deaths recorded for the entire summer season in 2025.
The UKHSA calculates excess mortality by comparing recorded deaths during heatwaves against baseline mortality levels for non-heatwave periods at similar times of the year.
Both May and June also broke Met Office monthly temperature records for England with 31.5C recorded at Kew Gardens on 26 May and 37.7C recorded at Lingwood, Norfolk on 26 June.
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.”
Health Secretary Yvette Cooper expressed condolences to families affected while acknowledging the severe strain placed on healthcare workers and emergency response teams, with several ambulance trusts reporting record call volumes during the hot spells.
She said: “My thoughts are with all those who have lost loved ones as a result of the long and intense heatwaves. This summer’s heat is 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 Garyfallos Konstantinoudis, of Imperial College London, added: “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.”
