More than 25,000 heat-related deaths in Germany, France, and Spain
Heat waves in Europe this summer have turned into a direct threat to public health, as rising temperatures have been linked to more than 25,000 deaths in Germany, Spain, and France since the beginning of the season, with the elderly being the most affected, according to official estimates and statistics.
In Germany, the Robert Koch Institute, under the Ministry of Health, estimated that heat-related deaths during the current summer reached approximately 14,000 cases, surpassing the previous record of around 8,900 deaths recorded in 2018.
Data from the institute, covering the period up to August 9, showed that the highest number of deaths occurred among individuals aged 75 and older. Approximately 9,600 deaths took place within a single week, between June 22 and 28, when temperatures exceeded 41 degrees Celsius in some areas.
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Heat is rarely recorded as a direct cause of death; therefore, estimates rely on statistical models that compare death tolls during heat waves with expected rates. Severe heat often exacerbates heart, lung, and kidney diseases.
Spain: Approximately 4,500 Deaths
In Spain, data from the Carlos III Health Institute showed an estimated 4,458 heat-related deaths between June 1 and August 19, compared to 3,073 deaths in the same period last year and 1,890 deaths in 2024.
These estimates are based on a system that monitors daily deaths and compares actual figures with historical rates, taking into account recorded temperatures.
Spain is experiencing an exceptional summer, with July recording the highest average temperature in the country’s history. The month also saw widespread forest fires and was the driest since data recording began in 1961.
France: More than 7,300 Deaths
In France, the National Public Health Agency announced 1,243 additional deaths during the heat wave that lasted from July 3 to July 22, raising the total number of deaths attributed to extreme heat this year to approximately 7,300 cases.
An additional 5,764 deaths were recorded between June 17 and June 30, along with 300 deaths between May 24 and May 28. The agency confirmed that this increase cannot yet be definitively linked to heat waves.
Health authorities stated that approximately 75% of the additional deaths during the July heat wave occurred among individuals aged 75 and older. The latest heat wave affected 78 French departments, encompassing about 80% of the country’s population.
The final tally of heat-related deaths in France remains under evaluation and is expected to be published next October.
