England Heatwaves Cause 2,877 Excess Deaths, Drought Hits 51%

In May and June 2026, England had very hot weather that caused almost 3,000 more people to die than usual.

The heat was so intense that the government said it might be the worst summer for heat deaths ever.

At the same time, more than half of England was declared in drought because it had very little rain.

This means rivers are low, farmers have to harvest early, and many people have to limit how much water they use.

The weather records were even higher than before, with temperatures reaching 38 degrees Celsius.

Scientists warn that if the heat continues, the number of deaths could rise even more, especially in 2026.