Over 10,000 Deaths Estimated Due to Heatwave in Europe

Statistics reveal that the extreme heatwave in Europe at the end of June has caused the deaths of more than 10,000 people. According to the European Mortality Monitoring Centre, citizens over the age of 65 have been the primary victims of this natural disaster. Data from Copernicus indicates that this June recorded the highest temperatures ever observed, reaching above 40 degrees Celsius.

At least 10,000 deaths are estimated to have resulted from the severe heatwave that struck Europe late in June. The European Mortality Monitoring Centre reported that during the 26th week of 2026, the number of excess deaths across all age groups in Europe exceeded 10,000. The majority of these fatalities, over 9,000, occurred among people aged 65 and older.

Belgium and France reported exceptionally high excess mortality rates, while Spain, the Netherlands, and Switzerland recorded moderate rates. The United Kingdom, Germany, and Italy experienced relatively lower excess mortality. During the second half of June, Europe faced severe heat, with temperatures in Western European countries surpassing 40 degrees Celsius. The European environmental monitoring and mapping agency Copernicus confirmed that this June was the hottest on record, with an average surface air temperature of 20.74 degrees Celsius.