Record UK heat-associated deaths expected in 2026

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By Daniel Pye

It is likely 2026 will see the highest number of heat-associated deaths on record, the UK Health Security Agency has said.

This comes after it found there were 2,877 heat-associated deaths during two periods of extreme hot weather in May and June, almost double the figure for all of 2025.

An estimated 753 deaths were associated with the May heat episode between 24 and 27 May and a further 2,124 with the June heatwave between 21 and 28 June, its interim figures suggested.

Based on this data, it is likely this year will see the highest number of heat-associated deaths on record, surpassing the 2,985 recorded in 2022.

Dr Ross Thompson, principal environmental public health scientist at the UKHSA, said the figures reflect the “significant danger” that very hot weather can pose to people’s health, particularly older adults and those with underlying medical conditions.

“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,” he said.