Germany recorded around 14,000 heat-related deaths this summer as severe heatwaves swept across Europe, according to data from the Robert Koch Institute.
About 9,600 of the estimated deaths occurred during one week in late June. Temperatures climbed above 40°C across parts of Germany during that period.
The figures make this summer Germany’s worst year for heat-related mortality in a decade of official monitoring.
Heatwaves drive death toll across Europe
Germany was not alone in facing a sharp rise in heat-related deaths.
Spain recorded nearly 4,500 heat-related deaths since June 1, according to figures released by its public health institute.
French health authorities reported more than 7,300 excess deaths over the same period.
In Germany, people aged over 75 accounted for the largest share of heat-related deaths.
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The Robert Koch Institute said heat can cause death directly through conditions such as heatstroke.
However, heat often worsens existing health problems and contributes to deaths from other causes.
Germany sees record heat mortality
The institute has tracked heat-related mortality for the past decade.
Its previous record stood at about 8,900 deaths in 2018.
Heat-related deaths have fallen below 2,000 in some years.
The institute linked these differences to the severity and duration of heatwaves.
Experts use statistical methods to estimate heat-related deaths because heat often does not appear as the underlying cause on death certificates.
Heat and drought hit Germany
The extreme weather has affected more than public health.
Heat and drought have damaged crops and increased the risk of wildfires across Germany.
Water levels have also fallen in major rivers used for commercial shipping.
The conditions have added pressure on Germany’s government to strengthen its response to climate risks.
This week, ministers from the centre-left Social Democrats called for stronger climate adaptation measures.
They also urged the government to include climate adaptation and nature conservation in Germany’s constitution, known as the Basic Law.
The latest figures highlight the growing health and economic risks associated with extreme heat across Europe.
