Germany reports record 14,000 heat-related deaths this year, official data shows
Germany has recorded around 14,000 heat-related deaths this summer, according to official data from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), as a series of extreme heatwaves swept across the country.
The most devastating period came in late June, when temperatures climbed above 40°C in parts of Germany. Around 9,600 heat-related deaths were estimated to have occurred during a single week, making the heatwave particularly deadly.
The figures highlight the severe health impact of this summer’s extreme weather. Germany has experienced repeated periods of intense heat and drought, contributing to a historically hot summer across much of Europe.
People aged over 75 accounted for the largest share of heat-related deaths in Germany, according to the RKI. Older people are particularly vulnerable because extreme heat can worsen existing health problems and place significant strain on the body.
Germany is not alone in facing a sharp increase in heat-related mortality. Spain has recorded nearly 4,500 heat-related deaths since June 1, while French authorities have reported more than 7,300 excess deaths during the same period.
The latest German figures are especially alarming because heat-related deaths are not always caused by heatstroke itself. Extreme temperatures can aggravate cardiovascular, respiratory and other medical conditions, meaning many victims may die from complications associated with prolonged heat exposure.
Experts say the growing frequency and intensity of heatwaves are becoming a major public-health challenge. The latest figures underline the need for effective heat-warning systems, better protection for vulnerable people and stronger preparations for increasingly frequent extreme temperatures across Europe.