At least 35,000 excess deaths recorded in Europe’s back-to-back heatwaves
Europe has recorded at least 35,000 excess deaths during a series of intense summer heatwaves, with figures expected to rise as more data is consolidated. Germany, France, and Spain have been particularly hard hit, with mortality rates significantly exceeding historical averages.
Why it matters
The data underscores the severe human cost of climate change and the increasing strain on public health infrastructure across Europe.
A woman dips her head in the lion fountain in Piazza del Popolo in Rome in an attempt to cool down on a scorching August day. A woman dips her head in the lion fountain in Piazza del Popolo in Rome in an attempt to cool down on a scorching August day. Extreme heat At least 35,000 excess deaths recorded in Europe’s back-to-back heatwaves True figure likely to be much higher as it only covers about half of continent and does not include August totals
Prefer the Guardian on Google At least 35,000 more people died during Europe’s four record-breaking, back-to-back heatwaves this summer than would normally be expected, according to incomplete figures from barely half the continent.
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