Dr. Francesca Racioppi, director of the World Health Organization (WHO) European Centre for Environment and Health, assessed the deaths caused by heatwaves that affected Europe throughout the summer of 2026.
Racioppi said it was still too early to announce the definitive number of heat-related deaths. She said mortality data are reported after a certain period and that countries use different methods to calculate heat-related deaths.
Preliminary data show at least 35,000 excess deaths
Racioppi said preliminary data reported by a limited number of countries, mostly in Western Europe, showed at least 35,000 excess deaths. However, she stressed that the data do not cover all affected countries in Europe, the entire summer season or the final death toll.
Racioppi said the number of excess deaths does not mean the same thing as deaths that occurred during heatwaves and should not automatically be considered the number of heat-related deaths. She said final estimates could become clear after national mortality data are reported and analyzed, a process that could take up to a year.
Marked rise in mortality rates
Racioppi said current surveillance data showed that mortality rates had risen significantly in Europe. European mortality surveillance showed marked excess mortality, particularly among older people, during the major heatwave at the end of June and July.
More than 200,000 heat-related deaths are estimated to have occurred in the European Union and associated countries over the past four years. The WHO European Region is warming at approximately twice the global average, while heat-related mortality rates have increased over the past 20 years.
Health effects of extreme heat
Extreme heat is one of the most urgent and direct health threats posed by climate change. Prolonged high temperatures and hot nights can affect the body’s ability to regulate heat, increasing illness and mortality rates.
Hot weather can cause heat exhaustion, heatstroke and dehydration. Mental health, sleep and overall well-being can also be affected by extreme temperatures.
Groups at risk
Older people, those with chronic health conditions, pregnant women, newborns and children, as well as people exposed to heat while working, face higher risks. Socially disadvantaged populations are also among the groups more vulnerable to the effects of extreme heat.
Rising temperatures increase pressure on health and social care services and drive up demand for emergency and clinical care. During this process, health workers, health facilities, medicines, equipment and other essential services can also be affected.
Call to strengthen heat-health plans
Heatwaves in Europe are no longer exceptional events and have become more frequent, intense and prolonged. The WHO is calling on countries, regions and cities to strengthen their heat-health action plans, early warning systems and health-service preparedness.
A significant proportion of heat-related illnesses and deaths can be prevented through timely preparation, effective warning systems, appropriate public health measures and protection efforts aimed at people at higher risk.
