At least 35,000 more people than expected have died during four successive heat waves across Europe this summer, according to preliminary figures covering roughly half the continent.
Germany, France and Spain have together recorded more than 25,000 excess deaths, with the overall toll expected to increase as countries compile mortality data for August, The Guardian reported on Tuesday.
Germany has recorded the highest estimate, with around 14,000 heat-related deaths between April 6 and August 9. The Robert Koch Institute said 9,600 deaths were recorded during one week in late June, when temperatures exceeded 40°C (104°F) at 46 weather stations.
In Spain, authorities have attributed 4,947 deaths to heat since May, already surpassing the country’s previous annual record of 4,520 recorded in 2022.
France reported around 7,300 excess deaths between late May and July 22, although the figures cover approximately 80% of deaths and include mortality from all causes.
Elsewhere, England recorded 2,877 heat-associated deaths during heat waves in May and June, while Belgium reported 1,222 excess deaths between June 18 and 29.
The Netherlands recorded at least 900 more deaths than normally expected between June 22 and July 5, while modelling estimated around 1,070 excess deaths in Poland and 220 in Switzerland during the late-June heat wave.
Experts caution that heat-related mortality can be difficult to measure because extreme temperatures are rarely recorded as the direct cause of death. Heat can instead aggravate cardiovascular, respiratory and other underlying health conditions.
Scientists say human-driven climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme heat events, while the final mortality figures from this summer could take several weeks or months to establish.