LONDON, July 31: Nearly 3,000 people died in the United Kingdom during the heatwaves that swept across the country in May and June 2026, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
In a statement released on Thursday, the agency said that 2,877 people died from heat-related illnesses during the two-month period, making it the second-highest heatwave death toll ever recorded in the UK.
The highest number of heat-related deaths occurred in 2022, when 2,985 people died during a similar period.
Most of those who died this year were elderly people or individuals with pre-existing medical conditions whose health deteriorated because of the extreme heat.
The unusually hot weather saw temperatures exceed 35 degrees Celsius in several parts of the country during May, prompting the UK Meteorological Office to issue heat warnings across multiple regions.
Climate experts have attributed the increasing frequency and severity of heatwaves to climate change. They also warned that the death toll could rise further, as August is typically the warmest month in the UK.
Health authorities have urged residents to stay hydrated, avoid strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest hours of the day, and take extra precautions to protect vulnerable people.
