Archive · 26 Aug 2026
Europe’s Deadly Summer Heat Linked to Over 30,000 Deaths
Europe had several very hot periods this summer.
These heatwaves were linked to more than 30,000 extra deaths.
“Extra deaths” means more people died than would normally be expected.
The reported deaths occurred during weeks when extreme heat affected parts of Europe.
At the same time, drought made it easier for wildfires to spread.
The numbers are not final yet.
EuroMOMO is still updating its estimates as more information arrives.
Its figures cover 23 European countries, but not much of eastern Europe.
That means the true total could be higher than the current estimate.
More than 30,000 excess deaths have been linked to heat in Europe this summer.
Several extreme heatwaves coincided with the weeks associated with the reported deaths.
Widespread drought created conditions that helped wildfires spread rapidly across multiple countries.
EuroMOMO’s latest figures are still being refined, so the estimated toll may rise.
The model uses official statistics from 23 European countries and excludes much of eastern Europe.
- Who
- People across the 23 European countries included in EuroMOMO’s data.
- What
- More than 30,000 excess deaths were linked to summer heat, while drought contributed to rapidly spreading wildfires.
- When
- This summer, with the reported figures still being refined.
- Where
- Across parts of Europe, including multiple countries affected by heatwaves, drought and wildfires.
- Why
- Extreme heat was linked to excess deaths, while widespread drought created conditions favorable to wildfire spread.
- Estimated excess deaths
- More than 30,000
- Period
- This summer
- Data source
- EuroMOMO
- Countries covered
- 23 European countries
- Data status
- The latest figures are still being refined
- Additional climate conditions
- Widespread drought and multiple extreme heatwaves
- Geographic limitation
- Much of Europe’s eastern region is not included