At least 35,000 more people died during Europe’s four record-breaking heatwaves this summer than would normally be expected, according to incomplete figures covering barely half the continent. Experts anticipate this toll will rise significantly once August totals are consolidated.
Provisional national figures show that excess mortality in Germany, France, and Spain alone has already surpassed 25,000. Germany reported an estimated 14,000 heat-related deaths from April 6 to August 9, with 9,600 occurring in the week of June 22-28 alone. This makes it Germany's worst summer for heat-related deaths since records began.
Spain's Carlos III health institute suggests 4,947 deaths between May and this week are attributable to heat, making 2026 its worst year on record for such fatalities. France reported 7,300 "all cause" excess deaths between late May and July 22, with August figures not yet available.
Other European countries have also reported excess deaths. The UK's health security agency estimated 2,877 heat-associated fatalities in England from the May and June heatwaves. Belgium recorded a 39% increase in mortality, equating to 1,222 additional deaths, between June 18 and 29. The Netherlands reported at least 900 more deaths than usual between June 22 and July 5.
Scientists state that human-made global heating is increasing the frequency and intensity of such extreme weather events.