Nearly 3,000 heat-related deaths during summer heatwaves, UKHSA estimates

The UK Health Security Agency estimates 2,877 heat‑related deaths occurred during the May and June heatwaves, roughly triple the figure from the previous year. A preliminary assessment attributed 753 deaths to the 24‑27 May spell and a further 2,124 to the June 21‑28 period. Both intervals broke Met Office monthly temperature records, with 31.5°C (88.7°F) recorded at Kew Gardens on 26 May and 38.0°C at Lingwood, Norfolk on 26 June. "Based connected the interim data, it is apt that 2026 could spot the highest fig of heat-associated deaths connected record," the UKHSA said. Definitive figures are expected in early 2027. The previous record was set in 2022, when 2,985 deaths were recorded. Dr Ross Thompson of the UKHSA stated: "These figures item the important information that precise blistery upwind tin airs to people's health." He added: "This is peculiarly existent for those who are much susceptible including older adults and radical with underlying aesculapian conditions." He also said: "as the clime becomes warmer, we tin expect periods of blistery upwind to go longer, much predominant and much extreme", adding that it is captious the state is prepared to woody with higher temperatures. Earlier this week parts of the UK sweltered through another heatwave that peaked on Wednesday, with temperatures reaching 35.2°C in Writtle, Essex. https://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/articles/c1k183p9ddpo Cooler conditions and immoderate rainfall are connected the way for immoderate connected Thursday and into the weekend, but apt not successful the driest areas. On Wednesday https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ckg35n7yny3o drought was declared across more than half of England owing to hot, dry weather taking its toll on the country's water supplies. The Environment Agency said the drought covers much of central, eastern and southern England, with water manager Helen Wakeham remarking the weather "means we are presently utilizing h2o faster than quality tin replenish it". Health Secretary Yvette Cooper said the sweltering heat has had a "serious interaction this summertime connected people's wellness and connected our NHS". She continued: "My thoughts are with each those who person mislaid loved ones arsenic a effect of the agelong and aggravated heatwaves successful caller months." And: "And my heartfelt acknowledgment spell to the NHS staff, attraction workers and exigency responders who person worked tirelessly done these exceptionally engaged and challenging months to support and attraction for radical affected by the heat." The heat was not confined to the UK; much of western Europe also experienced record‑breaking temperatures. In the past week https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cwyjgwg8jddo deadly wildfires have struck parts of France, Spain and Greece, forcing tens of thousands of people to evacuate their homes.