Germany: Nearly 15,800 Heat-Related Deaths Since April 2026

Thursday 27 August 2026 - 14:12

The impact of heatwaves on mortality in Germany has reached a concerning level. Nearly 15,800 heat-related deaths have been estimated in the country between April 6 and August 16, 2026, according to data published by the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), the German federal agency responsible for public health.

This estimate highlights the particularly significant toll of heatwaves recorded during the summer. The heatwave that occurred at the end of June alone is associated with approximately 9,600 deaths. Another heat sequence observed from late July to mid-August is believed to have contributed to nearly 4,000 additional deaths.

Elderly People Most Affected

The health consequences of heat primarily affected the most vulnerable populations. Individuals aged 75 and older represent the largest share of estimated deaths, while around 1,500 cases involve people under 65.

Women also appear to be more numerous among the recorded deaths. According to the RKI, this difference is partly explained by their greater presence in the older age groups, which are particularly exposed to the effects of extreme temperatures.

The situation in Baden-Württemberg, in southwestern Germany, illustrates the extent of the phenomenon. More than 3,600 heat-related deaths have been recorded there since April, which translates to about 32 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants and over one-fifth of the national estimate.

Mortality Often Exacerbated by Pre-existing Conditions

The RKI emphasizes that heat is generally not considered the sole cause of death. It can, however, exacerbate pre-existing illnesses or vulnerabilities and accelerate the deterioration of health among the most exposed individuals.

The assessment of this phenomenon relies on a statistical method. Since heat is not systematically mentioned as an underlying cause on death certificates, the Robert Koch Institute cross-references mortality data with observed temperatures to estimate the number of deaths that can be attributed to heat episodes.

These figures once again highlight the health consequences of extreme temperatures and the particular vulnerability of elderly populations in the face of increasing heat periods.