The heatwaves during May and June this year caused nearly 3,000 excess deaths across England, according to latest estimates by public health agencies. While noting that these figures were interim, the UKHSA said it was likely that 2026 could see the highest number of heat-associated deaths on record, surpassing the 2,985 recorded in 2022. The UKHSA said it would publish finalised figures on this year’s heat-associated deaths in its annual report, due to be published in early 2027. “While the figures are interim, they suggest that, if we experience more periods of hot weather this summer, we could see the highest number of heat-associated deaths on record.” He added: “As the climate becomes warmer, we can expect periods of hot weather to become longer, more frequent and more extreme.