LONDON, July 30 (Xinhua) -- Heat-associated deaths in Britain were estimated to have reached 2,877 during two spells of hot weather in May and June, nearly double the annual total reported for last year, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) on Thursday.
The British public health agency said an estimated 753 deaths were associated with the May heat episode between May 24 and 27, and a further 2,124 with the June heatwave between June 21 and 28.
The UKSHA said while these figures remain interim, they are already approaching the annual record reported in 2022, and it is likely that this year could see the highest number of heat-associated deaths on record.
Britain is currently experiencing the fourth heatwave this year since May, with the eight-day June heatwave triggering a red heat-health alert -- the second time the highest level of alert has been issued in England.
Both May and June broke the monthly temperature records for England, with 35.1 degrees Celsius recorded at Kew Gardens on May 26 and 37.7 degrees Celsius recorded at Lingwood, Norfolk on June 26.
British Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Yvette Cooper said the sweltering heat had a serious impact this summer on people's health and on the National Health Service (NHS), asking people to "look out for their health" and seek help if needed. ■