German federal agency and research institute for disease control and prevention
Europe has faced a blistering, record-setting heatwave this summer, with Germany, France, Spain and others reporting rising excess mortality. Provisional figures indicate thousands of deaths beyond normal levels, driven by extreme temperatures and drought. Countries are still compiling data for August, and estimates suggest the toll will climb as records fall and attribution becomes clearer.
Public Health France has recorded 5,764 excess deaths between 17 June and 2 July during an exceptional June heatwave, the highest heat-related excess mortality since 2003. France recorded 21,674 deaths against 15,910 expected; two-thirds of the excess were people aged 75 and older and more than half occurred between 25–27 June.
Extreme heat has gripped central and eastern Europe, with Slovakia seeing 42°C in Dolné Plachtince and Austria hitting a national high. The Danube’s water levels are at record lows, threatening energy supply and transport. Forecasts warn the heat will persist, with officials urging conservation and vigilance against heat-related health risks.