Europe's 2026 heatwaves cause 35,000 excess deaths

Europe experienced four consecutive record-breaking heatwaves during the summer of 2026, leading to at least 35,000 excess deaths across the continent, according to provisional figures covering about half of Europe and not including complete August data. Germany, France, and Spain alone reported over 25,000 excess or heat-related deaths. Germany recorded an estimated 14,000 heat-related deaths from April to August, with 9,600 in the week of June 22-28 alone, making it the worst year on record. Spain reported 4,947 heat-attributable deaths, its highest ever. France reported 7,300 all-cause excess deaths from late May to July 22. Italy's toll is estimated between 5,000 and 8,000. Other countries including the UK, Belgium, Netherlands, Poland, and Switzerland also reported significant excess deaths. The World Health Organization noted that heat-related mortality in its European region has increased by over 30% in the past 20 years. The heatwaves shattered temperature records across hundreds of stations, with areas inhabited by over 80 million Europeans experiencing temperatures above 40°C. Final death tolls are expected to rise as August data is consolidated and attribution is finalized.