Key facts
- At least 35,000 excess deaths were recorded across Europe during recent heatwaves.
- Germany reported the highest estimated toll with 14,000 heat-related deaths.
- Spain attributed 4,947 deaths to heat, while France recorded 7,300 excess deaths.
- Heatwaves shattered historical temperature records, with some areas exceeding 40C.
- Scientists attribute the increased frequency and intensity of these events to human-made global heating.
Europe has recorded at least 35,000 excess deaths during its recent consecutive heatwaves, according to preliminary data from less than half the continent. The figures, which are still incomplete, highlight the severe impact of extreme heat events that have shattered temperature records across western Europe since May.
Germany has reported the highest estimated toll, with approximately 14,000 heat-related deaths between April and August. In Spain, the Carlos III health institute's monitoring system suggests 4,947 deaths can be attributed to heat between May and August. France's national health agency reported 7,300 excess deaths from late May to July.
Other countries have also reported significant tolls. The UK's health security agency estimated 2,877 heat-associated fatalities in England from the May and June heatwaves. Belgium recorded 1,222 additional deaths between June 18 and 29, while the Netherlands reported at least 900 excess deaths from late June to early July. Preliminary data from Luxembourg, Greece, Romania, Bulgaria, and Denmark indicate about 40 excess deaths in each.
Scientists emphasize that human-made global heating is making such extreme weather events more frequent and intense. The World Health Organization noted that heat-related mortality in its European region has increased by over 30% in the past two decades, a trend expected to continue due to the climate crisis and an aging population. Many countries are still consolidating their final figures, and experts anticipate the total death toll will rise.