- England is on track for the highest number of heat-related deaths ever recorded, with an estimated 2,877 deaths during the May and June heatwaves, almost double last year's total.
- The May heatwave reached 35.1°C (June 26th: 38.0°C), both breaking UK monthly temperature records, and the current record of 2,985 heat-related deaths was set in 2022.
- Vulnerable groups, including older adults and those with medical conditions, are at high risk, and UKHSA warns that hotter, more frequent, and extreme weather is expected due to climate change.
- Drought was declared across more than half of England due to water usage exceeding replenishment, and Health Secretary Yvette Cooper noted serious impacts on health and the NHS.
- The heatwaves are linked to a 'heat dome' phenomenon, and similar record-breaking heat and wildfires have affected western Europe, including France, Spain, and Greece.