Nearly 2,900 dead as early heatwaves strike the UK

LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 14: Tourists walk on the sun-baked Parliament Square on July 14, 2022 in London, England. Usually grass-covered, the heat has seen the grass dry and die. Britain will experience a heatwave this week as temperatures in some parts are expected to exceed 30c. A level 2 heat health alert has been issued of the south and eastern parts of England. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images)

British authorities announced that 2,887 people died during the two heatwaves that struck the country in May and June.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) stated in a Thursday press release that the estimated figure of 2,887 heat-related deaths in May and June highlights the significant impact of these two heatwaves on public health, particularly as the casualties occurred early in the summer season.

The agency noted that this figure is nearly double the total heat-related deaths recorded during the entire summer of 2025.

British authorities declared a drought across nearly half of England on Wednesday, following a sharp decline in rainfall during July, coinciding with record-breaking heatwaves reaching 38°C (100.4°F) and a severe depletion of rivers and reservoirs.