Germany has reported approximately 12,500 deaths linked to extreme heat since the beginning of 2026, according to new data released by health authorities.
The Operative Information Center-OMM reports that the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) published a comprehensive study covering the period up to August 2. The data indicates that between the 15th and 31st weeks of the year, extreme heat conditions contributed to this significant mortality rate.
The RKI report highlights that the elderly are disproportionately affected by rising temperatures. Of the total recorded deaths up to August 2, approximately 6,270 victims were aged 85 and older. Furthermore, 1,900 deaths occurred in the 65-74 age bracket, while 3,110 deaths were recorded among those aged 75-84.
The report notes that mortality rates spiked significantly during the 26th week of the year, which saw the most intense heat impact. Between June 22 and June 29, an estimated 9,600 people died due to heat-related causes. During this period, a severe heatwave swept across Europe, with Germany experiencing record-breaking temperatures; on June 28, the town of Neißemünde in the Oder-Spree district of Brandenburg reached a record high of 41.7 degrees Celsius.
Comparing these figures to historical data, the RKI emphasized that the last decade has seen high heat-related mortality, particularly in 2018, which recorded 9,400 deaths, and 2019, which saw 7,700 deaths. The current figures represent a sharp increase from the RKI's previous report on July 9, which had estimated 5,120 heat-related deaths between the 15th and 26th weeks of 2026.
Extreme heatwaves are becoming an increasingly critical public health challenge in Europe, driven by broader climate trends. Health organizations continue to urge vulnerable populations to take precautions during peak temperature events to mitigate these risks.
