Scientific analysis estimates over 2,700 heat-related deaths in England and Wales

A new research study by Imperial College London, the Met Office, and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine suggests that heat waves in May and June 2026 resulted in over 2,700 excess deaths in England and Wales. The modeling estimates approximately 550 deaths occurred during the May 21–29 heat wave and 2,200 during the June 18–28 period. June 2026 was identified as the hottest June on record for England, reaching a peak temperature of 37.7°C in Norfolk, which surpassed the previous 1976 record. In May, temperatures reached 35.1°C at Kew Gardens, setting a new record compared to previous highs in 1922 and 1944. Authorities issued a rare red warning for extreme heat during the peak of these events. While these figures represent scientific modeling rather than official death certificate records, the UK Health Security Agency plans to release final official data in the coming weeks. Separately, EuroMOMO reported over 10,000 excess deaths across 27 European countries during late June, largely affecting individuals aged 65 and older. Experts emphasize these events are increasingly linked to human-caused climate change.