England on track for record heat-related deaths this summer, official data shows

England faces a looming record of heat-related fatalities this summer, according to official data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). The agency estimates that 2,877 people have already died during the May and June heatwaves, nearly double the 1,464 deaths recorded in the entire summer of 2025. Health Secretary Yvette Cooper expressed her condolences to those who lost loved ones due to the extreme heatwaves, emphasizing the serious impact on public health and NHS resources.

The UKHSA's analysis is based on recorded deaths, calculating the excess mortality during heatwaves compared to typical mortality levels in non-heatwave periods. The figures are similar to an earlier estimate published on July 13, which used a different method but yielded comparable results. Climate experts warn that heatwaves are becoming more intense and frequent due to the climate crisis, with the upcoming super El Niño weather system expected to exacerbate the situation.

Dr. Ross Thompson, a principal environmental public health scientist at UKHSA, stated that very hot weather poses significant dangers to people's health, and as temperatures rise, we can expect hotter, longer, and more extreme periods. The NHS and emergency responders have been working tirelessly to protect vulnerable individuals during these challenging months.

Historical data from May and June shows that temperatures reached new highs, with 38°C recorded in Lingwood, Norfolk, and 31.5°C in Kew Gardens, May. Dr. Garyfallos Konstantinoudis, co-author of the July study, highlighted the tragic confirmation of the significant health impacts these heatwaves had on England and Wales, calling for urgent action to adapt infrastructure and global efforts to reach net zero emissions.