A severe heatwave that swept across Europe in June has been linked to at least 12,000 excess deaths across several countries, according to an analysis of official national statistics. Experts believe the final number could increase as more complete data becomes available in the coming weeks. The figures highlight the growing health risks posed by increasingly frequent and intense periods of extreme heat.
The analysis examined mortality data from Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Spain and Switzerland between June 22 and June 28, which marked the peak of the heatwave in many parts of Europe. During that period alone, around 10,000 excess deaths were recorded in those countries. In addition, Britain’s Met Office estimated that another 2,200 people died in England and Wales between June 18 and June 28 because of the unusually high temperatures.
Europe experienced record breaking heat during the month, with several countries recording their highest temperatures ever for June. The United Kingdom and Switzerland also reported their warmest June conditions on record. Scientists have repeatedly warned that climate change is increasing the likelihood of longer and more intense heatwaves, making such events more dangerous for vulnerable populations.
The European Mortality Monitoring project, known as EuroMOMO, also reported a sharp rise in excess deaths during the final week of June. Based on official statistics from 24 countries representing around 400 million people, the organisation estimated that 14,260 excess deaths occurred during that period. However, its data does not include several countries in eastern Europe, meaning the overall impact could be even greater.
Health officials have urged governments to treat extreme heat as a serious public health emergency rather than simply another weather event. Hans Henri P. Kluge, the World Health Organization’s Regional Director for Europe, warned that the summer season is far from over and stressed that many heat related deaths can be prevented with proper planning and public health measures. He said governments already have access to scientific evidence and practical guidance that can reduce the risks during extreme weather.
Experts have described the latest figures as alarming. EuroMOMO coordinator and epidemiologist Lasse Vestergaard said there are currently no other known factors that could explain such a large increase in deaths during the same period. At the same time, he advised caution because mortality data usually becomes more accurate after several weeks and early estimates are often revised as additional information is collected.
Some countries reported particularly high numbers. Spain’s monitoring system linked 610 deaths directly to the heatwave between June 22 and June 28. Nearly two thirds of those who died were over the age of 85, showing that elderly people remain the most vulnerable during extreme heat.
Germany recorded the highest number of excess deaths among the countries included in the analysis. According to the Federal Statistical Office, 5,780 more people died during the peak week of the heatwave than the average recorded over the previous four years. Compared with the two weeks before the heatwave, Germany reported around 7,100 additional deaths.
The findings underline the growing human cost of climate related extreme weather across Europe. As temperatures continue to rise and heatwaves become more frequent, public health experts are calling for stronger preparedness plans, better protection for vulnerable groups and greater awareness to help prevent avoidable deaths in the future.
