FRANKFURT – Germany recorded around 14,000 heat-related deaths this summer. The figure comes as Europe faced a series of severe heatwaves. The latest estimate exceeds the previous record reported in 2018. Health authorities released the figures on Thursday.
Around 9,600 heat-related deaths occurred during one week in late June. Temperatures in parts of Germany climbed above 40°C during that period.
The Robert Koch Institute provided the latest assessment. It identified older people as the group most affected by extreme heat.
People aged over 75 accounted for the largest share of heat-related deaths. Health officials said older adults face greater risks during prolonged periods of high temperatures. The institute explained that heat can cause death in different ways. In some cases, extreme heat can directly result in conditions such as heatstroke.
However, many deaths involve a combination of heat exposure and existing health conditions. This makes it difficult to identify heat as the direct cause.
Heat exposure is often not recorded as the underlying cause on death certificates. Authorities therefore use statistical methods to estimate heat-related mortality.
The latest figures highlight the serious impact of extreme temperatures. They also show how heatwaves can create major public health challenges. The situation has varied significantly across different years. In 2018, Germany recorded approximately 8,900 heat-related deaths.
That figure was considerably lower in several other years. The institute recorded around 2,000 or fewer heat-related deaths in 2016.
Officials attributed these differences to the severity of individual heatwaves. More intense and prolonged heat can lead to higher mortality.
The latest summer has brought repeated periods of extreme temperatures across Europe. Several countries have faced unusually hot conditions during the season. The German health authority said the data reflects the effects of varying heatwave intensity. It also demonstrates the importance of monitoring heat-related health risks.
Extreme temperatures can place additional pressure on vulnerable groups. Older people are particularly exposed during prolonged hot weather.
Health authorities continue to monitor the impact of heat on public health. The latest estimates provide an indication of the scale of the problem.
The figures also underline the importance of public awareness during severe heatwaves. People at greater risk may require additional protection during extreme temperatures. The Germany heat-related death estimate comes amid growing concerns over increasingly severe heat events. European countries continue to assess the health impact of this summer’s extreme weather.
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The Robert Koch Institute’s findings offer a detailed assessment of heat-related mortality. The figures may also help authorities prepare for future periods of extreme heat.
