England could record its highest ever number of heat-related deaths this summer, with the UK Health Security Agency estimating 2,877 fatalities during the May and June heatwaves — almost double the same period in 2025.
Key facts
- The UKHSA estimates 2,877 heat-related deaths in England during the May and June heatwaves.
- The figure is almost twice that recorded for the same period in 2025.
- The current record was set in 2022 with 2,985 deaths.
- August, traditionally the hottest month, is yet to arrive.
- Health Secretary Yvette Cooper offered condolences to those who lost loved ones.
England is on track to record its highest ever number of heat-related deaths this summer, according to official data reported by the Guardian. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) announced that an estimated 2,877 people died during heatwaves in May and June.
That figure is almost twice the number recorded for the same period in 2025, according to the UKHSA estimates cited by the Guardian.
The current record for heat-related deaths was set in 2022, when 2,985 people died. This year’s total has already come close to that mark, and August — traditionally the hottest month — is yet to arrive, raising the prospect that a new record could be reached.
Responding to the data, the 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.”
The estimates cover the May and June heatwaves, according to the UKHSA. With the summer not yet over, the final toll for the season remains to be seen.
Why it matters
Heatwaves are becoming a growing public health threat, and the near-doubling of estimated deaths compared with the same period last year highlights the human cost of extreme temperatures. With the hottest month still ahead, the figures raise urgent questions about how prepared the UK is to protect vulnerable people from heat.
Frequently asked questions
How many heat-related deaths have been estimated in England this summer?
The UK Health Security Agency estimates that 2,877 people died during the heatwaves in May and June.
What is the current record for heat-related deaths?
The record was set in 2022 with 2,985 deaths, according to the Guardian's reporting of official data.
Could this summer set a new record?
It is on track to, as the estimated 2,877 deaths in May and June are close to the 2022 record and August, traditionally the hottest month, is yet to arrive.