Archive · 21 Aug 2026
Germany Reports Record Heat-Related Deaths This Year
Germany says about 14,000 people have died from heat-related causes so far this year.
This number is higher than the country's previous record for a whole year.
The old record was about 9,000 deaths in 2018.
Older people face the greatest danger from very hot weather.
Nearly 10,500 of the deaths were among people aged 75 or older.
The Robert Koch Institute is still estimating the number of deaths, so the total may rise.
The World Health Organization says Europe is warming quickly.
It says governments and communities should prepare before heat waves arrive.
Warnings, water, shade and support for vulnerable people can help prevent deaths.
Around 14,000 people in Germany have died from heat-related causes since the start of the year as of August 9.
The estimated rate is nearly 17 heat-related deaths per 100,000 inhabitants.
This year's total has already exceeded the previous annual record of about 9,000 deaths, set in 2018.
Nearly 10,500 of the deaths involved people aged 75 and above.
The World Health Organization says Europe needs stronger heat warnings, cooler cities, water access, shade and better-prepared health systems.
- Who
- Around 14,000 people in Germany, including nearly 10,500 people aged 75 and above, are estimated to have died from heat-related causes.
- What
- Germany has recorded a record number of estimated heat-related deaths this year.
- When
- Since the beginning of the year, with the estimate reported as of August 9.
- Where
- Germany, amid a broader heat-related health challenge across Europe.
- Why
- Heat waves and rising temperatures are creating dangerous conditions, particularly for older people and vulnerable groups.
- Estimated deaths
- Around 14,000 heat-related deaths in Germany as of August 9.
- Estimated rate
- Nearly 17 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants.
- Previous record
- Approximately 9,000 deaths in 2018.
- Older people affected
- Nearly 10,500 deaths were among people aged 75 and above.
- Estimating authority
- The Robert Koch Institute, Germany's leading public health authority.
- European impact
- The WHO Regional Office for Europe says heat claimed more than 200,000 lives across the region over the past four years.
- Recommended measures
- Early warnings, cooler cities, access to water and shade, support for vulnerable people and better-prepared health systems.