Heat Deaths: RKI estimates nearly 2,300 heat deaths in NRW

North Rhine-Westphalia has recorded an estimated 2,270 heat-related deaths by July 19, according to a recent report from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI). This number significantly exceeds the heat-related fatalities seen in any full calendar year since 2016, highlighting the severe impact of this year's high temperatures.

Nationwide, the RKI estimates that around 9,800 people have died due to heat across Germany. The majority of these heat-related deaths, over 5,000, are attributed to the intense heatwave experienced in the latter half of June, when temperatures soared to around 40 degrees Celsius.

The RKI report indicates that extreme heat poses a particular danger to older individuals. While heatstroke can be a direct cause of death, the institute notes that fatalities are often a result of a combination of heat exposure and pre-existing health conditions. The data underscores the critical health risks associated with prolonged periods of high temperatures.