Heat wave-hit Europe logs over 30,000 excess summer deaths: First figures

Europe experienced a record-breaking summer of heat waves and droughts in 2026, resulting in over 30,000 excess deaths, according to initial figures from the EuroMomo monitoring system. The scorching period between late June and mid-August saw more than 32,000 excess deaths, though the summer is not yet over. Specifically, Austria, Belgium, England, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain accounted for 33,000 excess deaths or heat-related deaths across eight countries.

The deadliest week of the summer was the last week of June, with nearly 16,000 excess deaths. July's first week follows closely with around 8,000 deaths. Germany, the continent's most populous country, recorded 14,000 heat-related deaths through August 9, setting a new record since 2016. Adults aged 75 and above were the most affected demographic, according to the Robert Koch Institute.

France and Spain experienced the highest excess deaths, with 7,300 and nearly 4,500 deaths, respectively, during late May to July 22 and June 1 to August 19. The UK estimates England saw 2,877 heat-associated deaths in May and June, potentially surpassing the 2,985 deaths from the 2022 summer. Belgium's Sciensano institute estimated 2,570 excess deaths between June 18 and July 17, which will be updated in September to include the start of the country's worst wildfire in modern history.

Austria reported 396 heat wave-related deaths in June, a shocking first for the Alpine nation. Portugal logged over 600 excess deaths between mid-June and the end of July, as per the DGS health authority.