At least 35,000 more people died during Europe's four record-breaking heatwaves this summer than would normally be expected, according to incomplete figures covering about half the continent, with experts warning the true toll is likely far higher.
Key facts
- At least 35,000 excess deaths have been recorded during Europe's back-to-back summer heatwaves, according to the Guardian.
- The figures cover barely half the continent and do not include August totals.
- Germany, France and Spain alone have already recorded more than 25,000 excess deaths.
- Europe experienced four record-breaking, back-to-back heatwaves this summer.
- Experts expect the toll to rise significantly once August figures are consolidated.
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 reported by the Guardian. The provisional data covers barely half of the continent, meaning the full scale of the toll remains unknown.
Excess mortality in three of the EU’s larger countries – Germany, France and Spain – has already exceeded 25,000, according to provisional national figures cited by the Guardian. That total accounts for the bulk of the deaths recorded so far, despite representing only a portion of the affected region.
The 35,000 figure does not include August totals, according to the report. Experts told the Guardian that the death toll will rise significantly once August figures are consolidated, indicating the current count is likely to grow.
The deaths are linked to four record-breaking heatwaves that struck Europe in succession over the course of the summer, according to the Guardian. Excess mortality measures the number of deaths above what would normally be expected during a given period, a standard method for estimating the impact of extreme events such as heatwaves.
Because the available data covers only about half of Europe and excludes one of the summer’s hottest months, the reported figure is described as incomplete. The true continent-wide total is likely to be considerably higher, according to the Guardian’s reporting.
Why it matters
Heatwaves are among the deadliest weather-related hazards, and rising excess-death tolls highlight the growing human cost of extreme summer temperatures across Europe. The scale of these provisional figures underscores the pressure on health systems and the need for effective heat-response measures as record-breaking heat becomes more frequent.
Frequently asked questions
How many excess deaths were recorded in Europe's heatwaves?
According to the Guardian, at least 35,000 excess deaths have been recorded, though this figure covers only about half of the continent and does not include August totals.
Which countries recorded the most deaths?
Germany, France and Spain alone have together recorded more than 25,000 excess deaths, according to provisional national figures cited by the Guardian.
Is the final toll expected to be higher?
Yes. Experts told the Guardian the toll will rise significantly once August figures are consolidated, and the current count covers only part of Europe.