According to estimates by the Robert Koch Institute, nearly 10,000 people died in Germany this year due to high temperatures — more than in any full year since 2016. DW reports, writes UNN.
Details
The Institute estimated the number of heat-related deaths at 9,800 between the beginning of April and July 19. The previous highest annual figure in the last decade was about 9,000 deaths in 2018.
It is noted that over 5,000 deaths this year are linked to a severe heatwave in the second half of June, when temperatures in some areas approached 42 degrees Celsius.
The European Union's climate service Copernicus stated that June 2026 was the hottest June on record in Western Europe.
Germany's Federal Statistical Office reported that the number of deaths in the period from June 22 to 28 was 32% higher than in the same period last year. The Robert Koch Institute linked at least 5,100 deaths during this period to the effects of heat.
Why this figure is an estimate
Heat is rarely listed as the direct cause of death unless a person dies from a condition such as heatstroke.
In most cases, high temperatures worsen pre-existing cardiovascular, respiratory, or kidney diseases. Therefore, heat is often not mentioned in death certificates and is sometimes called a "silent cause of death."
According to a preliminary estimate, the number of deaths between the beginning of April and July 12 was about 7,900. Another 1,900 deaths were linked to heat during the week from July 13 to 19.
The final death toll for the summer could be even higher, as the current estimate does not account for hot weather after July 19 and may be revised after more complete mortality data becomes available.
The greatest danger threatens the elderly
People aged 75 and older accounted for nearly 7,900 of the total estimated deaths.
This number includes 5,420 people aged 85 and older, 2,460 people aged 75 to 84, and 1,260 people aged 65 to 74.
About 630 deceased were younger than 65.
The Institute stated that mortality typically rises noticeably during weeks when the average temperature exceeds 20 degrees Celsius.
The analysis is based on measurement data from 52 weather stations operated by the German Meteorological Service.
Climate change fuels extreme heat in Europe - scientists26.06.26, 10:50