The Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) has released provisional data on deaths registered in the week ending 21 August 2026 (week 34). A total of 291 deaths were registered during that week, a decrease of 20 from the previous week's figure of 311.

The number of expected deaths for week 34 was estimated at 327 based on mortality rates and trends. The relative number of excess deaths therefore was estimated at -36, indicating that fewer deaths occurred than expected.

By sex, 143 deaths were registered for males and 148 for females. Expected deaths were estimated at 166 for males and 160 for females, resulting in excess death estimates of -23 for males and -12 for females.

For the year 2026 up to 21 August, there have been 11,547 deaths registered. Of these, 5,244 (45.4%) occurred in hospital, 2,051 (17.8%) in care homes, and 4,252 (36.8%) at residential addresses, hospices, or other locations.

In terms of age, over two-thirds (66.9%) of deaths in 2026 up to 21 August were in the 75 years and over age group. By sex, 50.4% of deaths were males and 49.6% were females.

The number of deaths registered in week 34 that mentioned flu and/or pneumonia on the death certificate was 34, bringing the total for 2026 so far to 1,999.

The provisional number of deaths occurring in the week ending 21 August (including those registered up to and including 26 August) was 216.

NISRA notes that the number of deaths registered in week 23 has been updated due to a double registration, and advises caution when comparing week 23 data with other weeks.