UK heatwaves cause 2,877 deaths in 2026 as major hot weather warning issued

The UKHSA says it is likely that 2026 could see the highest number of heat-associated deaths on record, surpassing the 2,985 in 2022

Government health scientists issued an urgent warning to families, after figures show heatwaves have already claimed 2,877 lives and the UK could face a record summer death toll

Brussels is managing resource reallocations across 37 participating nations, deploying planes, helicopters, and ground units to France and Spain. Officials warn that intensifying heatwaves could soon spread major blazes into Italy, Greece, and Portugal.

Authorities fear progress in containing the fires in the Gironde and Madrid regions may be set back by temperatures expected to hit the low 40s France and Spain are braced for the fourth heatwave of the summer to hit just as they were making progress battling destructive wildfires, with temperatures once again expected

Fire chiefs have warned wildfire risk remains high as England braces for its fourth heatwave of the year

It comes as the country prepares for the fourth heatwave of the year, with temperatures expected to peak as high as 35C across south-east England on Wednesday

Fire chiefs have warned that wildfire risk 'remains elevated' after more than 200 incidents were recorded in just a fortnight