India, July 31 -- Rapid early assessment by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) estimates that 2,877 heat-associated deaths occurred in the UK during two major periods of hot weather in May and June 2026, nearly double the total reported for the whole of 2025.

According to the assessment, an estimated 753 deaths were associated with the heat episode between May 24 and 27, while a further 2,124 deaths were linked to the June 21-28 heatwave.

Although the figures remain provisional, they are already approaching the annual record reported by UKHSA in 2022.

Both May and June also set new Met Office monthly temperature records for England. A temperature of 31.5degC was recorded at Kew Gardens on May 26, while 37.7degC was recorded at Lingw...