Researchers in the United Kingdom estimate that around 2,700 people died during the May and June 2026 heatwaves in England and Wales, highlighting the growing public health risks associated with extreme temperatures.
The findings come from a joint analysis by experts from Imperial College London, the UK Met Office, and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, who examined the impact of two major heatwaves that brought unusually high temperatures across the region.
Two Heatwaves Linked to Thousands of Deaths
According to the researchers, the first heatwave, which lasted from May 21 to May 29, may have contributed to approximately 550 deaths.
A second and more intense heatwave between June 18 and June 28 is estimated to have caused around 2,200 additional deaths, bringing the total estimated death toll to nearly 2,700.
Temperatures Reached Nearly 38°C
The report said temperatures climbed to 37.7°C in June, approaching record levels not seen in nearly five decades.
Professor Friederike Otto, a member of the research team, said most of the estimated deaths occurred during the June heatwave, when temperatures reached exceptionally high levels.
She noted that extreme heat can affect not only older adults and people with underlying health conditions but also otherwise healthy individuals.
Climate Change Increasing Heat Risks
Researchers said the recent heatwaves were driven by a heat dome, a weather pattern that traps hot air over a region for an extended period.
They warned that climate change is expected to make such extreme heat events more frequent and more intense, increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses, including heart attacks, strokes, dehydration, and other life-threatening conditions.
The research team urged the public and policymakers to treat extreme heat as a serious public health threat and to strengthen preparedness measures as temperatures continue to rise.
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