At least 35,000 more people than normally expected died during Europe’s four consecutive, record-breaking heatwaves in 2026, according to provisional figures covering only about half the continent. The total does not include consolidated August data and is expected to rise.
Germany, France and Spain account for more than 25,000 of those deaths in early national estimates. The figures are not yet directly comparable because countries use different methods to estimate deaths linked to extreme heat.
What the early figures show
Germany has reported the highest preliminary toll, with an estimated 14,000 heat-related deaths from 6 April to 9 August. The Robert Koch Institute said 9,600 people died during the week of 22–28 June alone, making this Germany’s worst summer for heat-related deaths since records began. Its previous high was 8,900 in 2018, while normal summers often record fewer than 2,000 heat-related deaths.
Spain’s mortality monitoring system estimates that 4,947 people died from heat between May and the week of the report, exceeding the country’s previous record of 4,520 in 2022. France reported 7,300 excess deaths from all causes between late May and 22 July; definitive attribution to heat will come later.
Related coverage: UK records its hottest day as Europe faces extreme heat.
Why the death toll remains provisional
Heat is rarely recorded as the direct cause of death. Extreme temperatures can worsen respiratory or cardiovascular conditions, with the eventual death recorded as a heart attack, stroke or kidney failure. Final attribution can therefore take weeks or months.
France’s initial figure is based on electronic death certificates covering about 80% of total mortality, and August data was not available. Italy has released incomplete indicators rather than a consolidated national toll; modelling suggests 5,000 to 8,000 heat-attributable deaths there once figures are formally recorded.
Heat records across western Europe
The heatwaves began in May and broke all-time temperature records at hundreds of weather stations. France recorded its hottest national average day, while more than 500 French stations exceeded 40C and 98% of the country was placed under heat alerts at one stage.
More context: Sea temperatures reached a July record during Europe’s extreme heat.
Germany recorded temperatures above 40C at 46 stations during three consecutive record-breaking days in late June. Spain experienced persistent highs above 42C. Scientists say human-caused global heating is making extreme heat events more frequent and intense.
Also read: Europe’s 2026 marine heatwaves linked to carbon pollution.
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