Health · Public Health & Disease · 1 hr ago
Italy’s heat-related deaths rose most among people over 85 in 2026
Italy faced five heat waves during the summer of 2026, which the health minister described as the hottest ever recorded in Europe.
Heat alerts averaged 45 days in central cities and 35 days in northern and southern cities.
Across 54 monitored cities, deaths were 2% above expected levels, although the overall increase was described as limited.
People over 85 were hit hardest, with excess mortality of 10%, while deaths among people aged 65 to 84 were below expected levels.
Italy used monitoring, prevention and alert systems to limit the health impact, but officials say more protection is needed for older people who may be alone at home without cooling.
The government will spend eight million euros over the next two years on heat management.
Officials plan to work with local authorities and health services, including through “cold spots” and community health centers.
Italy recorded five heatwaves and a record 45 alert days in major cities during summer 2026.
Excess mortality among people over 85 reached 10%, the highest reported for any age group.
Across 54 monitored Italian cities, average mortality was 2% above expected levels.
Mortality among people aged 65 to 84 was below expected levels.
Health Minister Orazio Schillaci said Italy would allocate €8 million over the next two years to manage heat risks.
- Who
- People over 85 in Italy had the highest excess mortality.
- What
- Excess mortality in this age group reached 10% during summer 2026.
- When
- Summer 2026.
- Where
- Italy; data covered 54 monitored cities.
- Why
- The article links the increase to a summer of record temperatures and prolonged heatwaves.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Italy experienced five heatwaves and record numbers of heat-alert days.
The heat-emergency response for 2026 was officially concluded, and officials outlined plans for the following years.
- Heatwaves
- 5 during summer 2026
- Alert days
- Average of 45 in central cities; 35 in northern and southern cities
- Monitored cities
- 54
- Average mortality
- 2% above expected levels
- People over 85
- Excess mortality reached 10%
- Funding
- €8 million over the next two years
What people are saying
the system held up
we need to work to protect the most vulnerable
It was a difficult summer, the hottest ever recorded in Europe, with long and persistent heatwaves and high humidity even at night
Over the next two years, eight million euros will be dedicated to managing the heat
Sources
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