Summer of 2026 broke records in Europe, and caused deaths

The summer months of 2026 in Europe set records, causing a significant number of heat-related deaths, according to the Copernicus Climate Change Service. Germany's DWD weather service reported an unprecedented number of hot days, with an average of 22 hot days and 5 very hot days in Germany, where temperatures reached 30 degrees Celsius and 35 degrees Celsius respectively.

Estimated heat-related deaths in Germany reached 16,300 by the end of August, with most deaths resulting from underlying health conditions worsened by the heat. The risk of heat-related deaths in Germany rises when the average weekly temperature is 20 degrees Celsius or higher. The severe heat was not solely due to high temperatures but also the prolonged duration and lack of nighttime cooling.

Professor Andreas Matzarakis from Freiburg University highlighted that humidity, solar radiation, wind, and the perceived temperature also contributed to heat stress. Vulnerable populations, such as those living in poorly insulated homes or working outdoors, were among the most at-risk groups. Environmental scientist Martin Röösli from the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute noted that the deceased individuals might have had a shorter life expectancy, but some may have survived longer if not for the heat wave.

Meteorologist and epidemiologist Alexandra Schneider from the Helmholtz center in Munich explained that the deaths during heat waves were likely due to the "harvesting effect," where vulnerable individuals die prematurely during extreme weather events, and there was no subsequent drop in mortality in the following weeks.