Thousands may have died in UK's exceptional May and June heatwaves
Experts estimate that over 2,700 people may have died due to extreme heatwaves in the UK during May and June 2026. Researchers attribute these record-breaking temperatures to a 'heat dome' exacerbated by human-induced climate change.
Why it matters
The findings highlight the increasing public health risks posed by climate change and the inadequacy of current infrastructure to handle extreme heat.
Image source, Getty Images By Michelle Roberts , Digital health editor and Matt McGrath , Environment correspondent Published 5 minutes ago More than 2,700 people may have died from heat-related causes during the UK's exceptionally hot weather in May and June, experts' estimates suggest.
The figure, from a team at Imperial College London, the Met Office and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, is based on what's known about the dangers of extreme heat.
Most deaths will have occurred in the June heatwave, they say - the warmest June on record in England, when temperatures hit 37.7C (99.9F) at Lingwood, Norfolk, smashing the previous high of 35.6C (96F) set in 1957.
A rare red heat alert , external was issued for parts of England and Wales at the time, warning even healthy people of the significant risk to life.
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