England's ambulance services hit all-time highs during June heatwave
Data from freedom-of-information requests show that all 10 NHS ambulance trusts in England experienced some of their busiest days ever during the late-June 2026 heatwave, when temperatures exceeded 37C. Four services, including London's, saw record numbers of life-threatening emergencies on at least one day, while two others logged their highest-ever 999 call volumes. The demand surpassed typical winter peaks and even the height of the Covid-19 pandemic for many services.
The June heatwave triggered only the second-ever red extreme heat warning, covering the Midlands and southern England. Researchers estimated nearly 3,000 heat-related deaths across the UK this summer, with extreme heat worsening conditions such as heart disease and respiratory illnesses.
The busiest day, 26 June, saw 4,084 life-threatening emergency responses nationwide. South East Coast and South Central services recorded unprecedented category 1 callouts on three consecutive days, while South Western and East of England services logged record 999 call volumes. Ambulance demand has been rising steadily for years due to an ageing population, complex health conditions, and growing mental-health pressures.
This story could signal a lasting shift in how emergency services plan for summer months, as heatwaves may become a recurring strain comparable to winter peaks. Vulnerable groups—older adults, those with pre-existing conditions, and people without access to cooling—could face heightened risk during future extreme heat events. If such demand patterns persist, ambulance trusts may need to rethink staffing and resource allocation, potentially affecting response times for all patients during heat emergencies.