The United Kingdom is on course to record its highest number of heat-related deaths since official records began, following a series of unprecedented heatwaves that have swept across the country this summer, according to preliminary estimates released by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).

The agency estimated that 2,877 heat-related deaths occurred during the heatwaves in May and June, nearly double the total recorded throughout all of last year. If additional periods of extreme heat occur before the end of summer, 2026 could surpass the current annual record of 2,985 heat-related deaths, set in 2022.

According to the UKHSA, approximately 753 deaths were linked to the May 24–27 heatwave, while an estimated 2,124 deaths occurred during the June 21–28 heatwave. Final verified figures are expected to be published in early 2027.

Record-breaking temperatures

Both heatwaves shattered long-standing national temperature records.

The Met Office reported a temperature of 35.1 degrees Celsius at Kew Gardens on May 26, setting a new record for the month of May. Just one month later, temperatures climbed even higher, reaching 38.0 degrees Celsius in Lingwood, Norfolk, on June 26, establishing a new June record for the UK.

Meteorologists said both extreme weather events were driven by a persistent "heat dome"—a high-pressure system that trapped exceptionally hot air over the British Isles for several days.

Earlier this week, another heatwave pushed temperatures to 35.2 degrees Celsius in Writtle, Essex, extending an already intense summer of extreme heat.

Health officials warn of growing climate risks

Dr. Ross Thompson, one of the report's authors at the UKHSA, warned that the provisional figures underscore the increasing health risks posed by extreme temperatures.

"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," Thompson said.

He noted that older adults, people with chronic illnesses and other vulnerable groups remain at the greatest risk during prolonged heatwaves.

"As the climate becomes warmer, we can expect periods of hot weather to become longer, more frequent and more extreme," he added, stressing the importance of strengthening the country's preparedness for future heat events.

Drought declared across much of England

The prolonged hot and dry weather has also intensified pressure on water supplies.

On Wednesday, the Environment Agency (EA) declared drought conditions across more than half of England, covering much of the country's central, eastern and southern regions.

Helen Wakeham, the agency's director of water, said current consumption levels exceed the rate at which natural water resources can recover.

"The weather means we are currently using water faster than nature can replenish it," Wakeham said.

Government acknowledges strain on health services

Health Secretary Yvette Cooper said the prolonged heat had placed enormous pressure on the country's healthcare system.

"The sweltering heat has had a serious impact this summer on people's health and on our NHS," Cooper said, expressing condolences to families who lost loved ones during the heatwaves.

She also praised healthcare workers, care staff and emergency responders for their efforts during one of the busiest summers in recent years.

Europe grapples with extreme weather

The UK's record-breaking summer comes amid a broader pattern of extreme weather across Europe.

Western European countries have experienced repeated heatwaves in recent months, with France, Spain and Greece battling destructive wildfires that have forced tens of thousands of residents to evacuate their homes.

Climate scientists warn that rising global temperatures are increasing both the frequency and intensity of extreme heat events, making heatwaves one of the deadliest weather-related hazards across Europe. (ILKHA)