UK on track for highest deaths caused by heatwaves since records began

Britain is on track this year for the highest number of deaths caused by heatwaves since current record began, new figures revealed.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said it "is likely that 2026 could see the highest number of heat-associated deaths on record", surpassing the number in 2022 when the agency started studying them.

The agency estimates there were 2,877 deaths linked to the hot weather during two heatwaves in May and June this year.

In 2024 there were 1,311 heat deaths, while in 2025 there were 1,504.

An estimated 753 deaths were associated with the May heatwave between 24 and 27 May and a further 2,124 with the June heatwave between 21 and 28 June.

The UKHSA says these are early estimates, but already indicate heat deaths are approaching the annual record reported in 2022.

"These figures highlight the significant danger that very hot weather can pose to people's health," said Dr Ross Thompson, principal environmental public health scientist at UKHSA and the author of the report.

The UK is facing more extreme weather fuelled by human-caused climate change, mostly as a result of burning fossil fuels.

The total of 2,877 deaths is almost double the 1,504 across the UK heatwaves over the three months from June to August last year.

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Some 2,985 heat-associated deaths were observed across the five heatwaves of 2022, a year that had the highest temperature ever recorded in the UK, when 40.3C was reached in Coningsby in Lincolnshire on 19 July.

This year has seen both May and June break Met Office monthly temperature records for the UK, with 31.5C recorded at Kew Gardens on 26 May and 38.0C recorded at Lingwood, Norfolk on 26 June.

Dr Thompson added: "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."

He added: "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."

Health 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."

She added: "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."

It comes after a drought was declared in half of England following record-low rainfall and high temperatures.

NHS Alliance director for primary care, community and neighbourhood health, Ruth Rankine, said there had been a "marked increase" in the number of GP appointments in June compared with the previous month and they were up by more than 10% from the same time last year.

(c) Sky News 2026: UK on track for highest deaths caused by heatwaves since records began