At least 35,000 excess deaths recorded in Europe's back-to-back heatwaves
True figure likely to be much higher as it only covers about half of continent and does not include August totals
TL;DR
- At least 35,000 excess deaths occurred in Europe due to record-breaking summer heatwaves.
- Germany, France, and Spain reported over 25,000 excess deaths combined.
- Record temperatures were observed across the continent, with France recording its hottest national average day.
- Scientists link the extreme weather events to human-made global heating.
- Germany reported an estimated 14,000 heat-related deaths from April to August.
- Spain's heat-related deaths in 2026 are projected to exceed 4,900, surpassing previous records.
- Calculating exact heat-related deaths is complex as heat often exacerbates pre-existing conditions.
- Final mortality figures are expected to be significantly higher once all data, including August totals, is consolidated.
- Heat-related mortality in the WHO European region has increased by over 30% in the past 20 years.