Excess deaths caused by heatwaves in England ‘almost double’ so far this year

A report from the UK Health Security Agency indicates that heat-associated deaths in England have nearly doubled during May and June compared to the previous year. Experts are calling for urgent climate action to mitigate the risks posed by rising temperatures.
Why it matters
The data highlights the growing public health crisis caused by climate change and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events.
A man shielding himself from the sun during a heatwave this summer. A man shielding himself from the sun during a heatwave this summer. Extreme heat Excess deaths caused by heatwaves in England ‘almost double’ so far this year UKHSA estimates 2,877 heat-associated deaths during heatwaves in May and June, almost twice the number in summer 2025
Prefer the Guardian on Google The number of excess deaths caused by heatwaves has almost doubled so far this year in England compared with 2025, the UK Health Security Agency, has said.
There were 2,877 heat-associated deaths during the heatwaves in May and June this year, a report has estimated , almost double the figure reported from the UK heatwaves in June to August last year.
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