Europe’s intense summer heat has taken a heavy human toll, with more than 35,000 excess deaths recorded during four successive heatwaves, according to media reports.
The figure remains provisional because it covers only about half of Europe and does not include complete mortality data for August. The final number could therefore rise as national authorities publish additional figures.
Germany, France and Spain alone have reported more than 25,000 excess or heat-related deaths during periods of extreme temperatures.
Excess mortality refers to the number of deaths recorded above the level normally expected for a particular period. It provides a broader picture of the health impact of heat because extreme temperatures can worsen existing illnesses, especially cardiovascular and respiratory conditions.
As a result, not every death counted as excess mortality is directly attributed to heat. Countries also use different methods to assess the impact, making comparisons between national figures difficult.
Germany records highest toll
Germany has recorded an estimated 14,000 heat-related deaths so far this year, making 2026 its deadliest year for extreme heat in at least a decade.
France has also experienced a significant increase in mortality during periods of unusually high temperatures.
According to Santé publique France, the country’s national public health agency, 5,764 excess deaths from all causes were recorded during the heatwave from June 17 to July 2.
A further 1,243 excess deaths occurred between July 3 and July 22, when a heatwave affected 78 departments covering almost 80 per cent of mainland France’s population.
The health authority described the July episode as exceptional because of both its duration and the size of the area affected.
Spain has also reported one of its highest heat-related mortality totals in recent years, with almost 5,000 deaths estimated during the summer.
Europe warming rapidly
The World Health Organization has repeatedly warned that extreme heat is becoming a growing threat to public health across Europe.
In June, WHO Europe said more than 200,000 people had died from heat-related causes across the European Union and associated countries over the previous four years. It said many of these deaths could have been prevented through stronger measures to protect vulnerable populations.
The WHO European Region is also warming faster than any other region in the world, increasing concerns about the frequency and severity of future heatwaves.
Several countries have yet to publish complete mortality data for August, meaning the overall impact of the 2026 summer may not become clear for months.
The figures already available, however, indicate that extreme heat is becoming more than a record-breaking weather event. It is increasingly emerging as a major public health challenge across Europe.
