The UK Health Security Agency has released data indicating that England experienced approximately 2,877 heat-related deaths during heatwave events in May and June. The May heatwave from the 24th to 27th resulted in 753 deaths, while the June heatwave spanning from the 21st to 28th accounted for 2,124 deaths. These figures nearly double the total heat-related mortality for the entire summer period in 2025.
The current toll approaches the previous record set in 2022, when 2,985 heat-related deaths were recorded. With August—typically the hottest month of the year—still ahead, England appears positioned to potentially exceed the previous record. The UKHSA methodology calculates excess mortality by comparing death rates during heatwaves to baseline mortality levels from similar periods without extreme heat.
Health Secretary Yvette Cooper acknowledged the toll of the heatwaves and commended emergency response personnel and health service workers for their efforts during the challenging conditions. Some ambulance services reported record call volumes during the heatwave periods. Temperature records were also established, including a June high of 38 degrees Celsius at Lingwood, Norfolk, and a May record of 31.5 degrees Celsius at Kew Gardens.
Experts attribute increased heat severity to climate change driven by fossil fuel emissions. Researchers note that as global temperatures continue rising, periods of extreme heat are expected to become longer, more frequent, and more intense. The findings underscore the need for adaptation measures across housing, care facilities, and infrastructure, alongside continued efforts to achieve net-zero carbon emissions and prevent further temperature increases.
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