Heatwaves cause at least 30,000 excess deaths in Europe this summer

Europe is grappling with the severe consequences of a heat-laden summer, with preliminary figures indicating at least 30,000 excess deaths across the continent since the season began. The intense heatwaves have placed a significant strain on public health systems and populations.

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In Europe, at least 30,000 additional people have died in the summer of 2026, which has been marked by heatwaves.

The European monitoring platform EuroMomo estimates that between mid-July and mid-August alone, more than 32,000 additional deaths occurred in Europe. These figures represent deaths above the expected number for the period, highlighting the direct impact of the extreme temperatures.

Germany has reported a particularly high toll, with the Robert Koch Institute estimating approximately 14,000 heat-related deaths within the country during the summer. The period of late June and early July was especially deadly, with an AFP analysis revealing 33,000 fatalities across eight European countries during that time.

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Between mid-July and mid-August alone, there were more than 32,000 additional deaths in Europe, according to preliminary figures from the EuroMomo monitoring platform.

These numbers underscore the growing threat posed by climate change and extreme weather events. Public health officials are increasingly concerned about the vulnerability of populations, especially the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions, to prolonged periods of high temperatures. The data serves as a stark reminder of the need for effective heat action plans and public awareness campaigns.

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In Germany alone, an estimated 14,000 people died from heat-related causes in the summer, as the Robert Koch Institute explained on Thursday.