The UK Health Security Agency released analysis indicating that an estimated 2,877 people died during heatwave conditions in England across May and June. The breakdown showed 753 deaths during a late-May heatwave and 2,124 deaths during a late-June heatwave. These figures represent nearly double the heat-related mortality recorded throughout the entire summer in 2025.
The previous record for heat-related deaths in England was established in 2022, when 2,985 deaths were attributed to extreme heat. With August, traditionally the warmest month of the year, still to come, current projections suggest this year could surpass that record. The UKHSA methodology compares recorded deaths during heatwave periods against mortality levels during similar time periods that did not experience extreme temperatures.
Health Secretary Yvette Cooper acknowledged the impact of the ongoing heatwaves, noting the strain on the National Health Service and emergency response services. Multiple ambulance services reported record call volumes during the extreme heat periods. Temperature records were set during this period, including 38 degrees Celsius recorded in Norfolk during June and 31.5 degrees Celsius at Kew Gardens in May.
Experts attributed the intensification of heatwaves to climate change, with researchers noting that the June heatwave affecting western Europe was the most severe and widespread on record. Dr. Garyfallos Konstantinoudis of Imperial College London emphasized that behind the statistics are individuals who died prematurely, and called for urgent adaptation measures for infrastructure and care settings alongside continued efforts to reduce carbon emissions to net zero levels. Officials indicated that the current UKHSA estimates may be subject to minor revisions pending complete death record compilation in coming months.
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