3 days ago
Austria Reports Record Heat-Related Deaths During Extreme Summer
Austria had its highest number of heat-related deaths ever recorded during June and July.
Officials counted 646 deaths linked to unusually hot weather.
The previous record for those two months was 570 deaths in 2024.
Experts estimate these numbers by comparing deaths during hot periods with the usual number of deaths.
Austria also experienced its hottest temperature ever, reaching 41.2°C in Bad Deutsch-Altenburg.
Very hot days and warm nights can make it harder for people to recover from heat.
Older people, young children, and people with certain health problems face the greatest danger.
Scientists say human-caused climate change is making extreme heat more frequent and intense.
Austria recorded 646 heat-related deaths during June and July.
The figure exceeded the previous two-month record of 570 deaths set in 2024.
The Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety announced the data on Aug. 30.
Austria recorded a national temperature high of 41.2°C in Bad Deutsch-Altenburg in early August.
Health risks were particularly high for older people, young children, and those with cardiovascular or respiratory conditions.
- Who
- Austria and the Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES).
- What
- Austria recorded 646 heat-related deaths during June and July, the country’s highest such total for a two-month period.
- Where
- Austria, including Bad Deutsch-Altenburg, where the national temperature record was set.
- When
- The deaths occurred during June and July; AGES announced the figures on Aug. 30.
- Why
- Extreme and prolonged heat increased health risks, while scientists linked the growing frequency and intensity of severe weather to human-driven climate change.
Key facts
- Heat-related deaths
- 646 fatalities were recorded across June and July.
- Previous record
- 570 deaths were recorded during the same period in 2024.
- Temperature record
- Austria reached 41.2°C in Bad Deutsch-Altenburg in early August.
- Previous temperature record
- Vienna recorded 41°C one day before the new national record.
- Measurement method
- AGES uses a statistical model comparing observed deaths during high-temperature periods with historical baseline averages.
- Most vulnerable groups
- The elderly, young children, and people with cardiovascular or respiratory conditions face elevated risks.
Sources
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