Europe records at least 35,000 excess deaths during successive 2026 heatwaves
Provisional figures from about half of Europe show at least 35,000 more deaths than expected during four successive heatwaves, with the final toll likely to rise.
In short
- Provisional figures from about half of Europe show at least 35,000 more deaths than expected during four successive heatwaves, with the final toll likely to rise.
At least 35,000 excess deaths have been recorded across parts of Europe during four successive heatwaves in the summer of 2026, according to provisional national figures compiled from roughly half the continent.
Germany, France and Spain together accounted for more than 25,000 of the additional deaths reported so far. Germany’s Robert Koch Institute estimated about 14,000 heat-related deaths between April 6 and August 9, while Spain’s mortality-monitoring system attributed 4,947 deaths to heat between May and late August. France reported 7,300 excess deaths from late May through July 22, though its health agency has not yet issued August totals.
The estimates are not directly comparable in every country because authorities use different methods. Germany and Spain model the relationship between daily temperatures and mortality, while France first reports deaths from all causes above expected levels and assigns causes later. Heat often worsens cardiovascular, respiratory or kidney conditions rather than appearing as the immediate cause on a death certificate.
Other preliminary figures include 2,877 heat-associated deaths in England during the May and June heatwaves, 1,222 additional deaths in Belgium between June 18 and 29, and at least 900 excess deaths in the Netherlands between June 22 and July 5. Several countries have not yet published consolidated figures.
Hundreds of weather stations set records during the heatwaves, including temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius across parts of Germany, France and Spain. The World Health Organization said in May that heat-related mortality in its European region had risen by more than 30 percent over the previous two decades, with climate change and an ageing population expected to increase the risk.
