World · 26 August 2026
Europe's heatwaves linked to at least 35,000 excess deaths this summer
Photo by Tanhauser Vázquez R. on Pexels
Europe's four consecutive heatwaves this summer saw at least 35,000 more deaths than normal, based on incomplete figures from about half the continent. Germany's heat-related fatalities reached an estimated 14,000 between April and August, marking the highest annual total since record-keeping commenced. Spain recorded 4,947 deaths linked to high temperatures from May up to the current week, surpassing its total for 2022.
Reported by The Guardian · How we write briefs