Spain records more than 5,000 heat-related deaths during the summer

Tuesday 01 September 2026 - 15:15

By: Azzat Manal

Spain records more than 5,000 heat-related deaths during the summer

Spain recorded an estimated 5,111 heat-related deaths between June 1 and August 31, 2026, marking the highest summer toll since the country's Carlos III Health Institute began systematically collecting comparable data in 2015.

According to figures from the institute, August was the deadliest month, with 2,149 estimated deaths linked to high temperatures. July followed with 2,025 cases, while 937 deaths were recorded in June. Together, the three months produced a total significantly above previous summer records.

The 2026 figure surpasses the previous record of 4,652 heat-related deaths registered during the same period in 2022. The latest estimates underline the growing health risks associated with prolonged periods of extreme heat across Spain.

The figures are based on the MoMo mortality monitoring system, which analyzes daily death registrations and compares observed mortality with expected levels calculated from historical data. The system is used to identify unusual increases in mortality that may be associated with factors such as extreme temperatures.

Spain could face another period of unusually high temperatures in early September. The country's national meteorological service has warned that temperatures in some areas could rise significantly above seasonal averages, potentially reaching levels around 10 degrees Celsius higher than normal.

The latest developments come after several years of increasingly frequent and prolonged heatwaves across Europe. Spain has been among the countries most exposed to extreme temperatures, with some regions repeatedly experiencing temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius during the summer months.

Health authorities have repeatedly urged vulnerable people, particularly older adults and individuals with chronic illnesses, to take precautions during periods of extreme heat. Staying hydrated, avoiding strenuous activity during the hottest hours and remaining in cool or shaded environments are among the measures recommended to reduce heat-related health risks.

The unusually high mortality figures also highlight the broader consequences of climate change. As global temperatures rise, scientists and public health experts are increasingly concerned about the frequency, duration and intensity of heatwaves and their impact on populations.

Spain's latest summer figures therefore add to growing evidence that extreme heat is becoming an increasingly important public health challenge, requiring stronger prevention measures, early-warning systems and adaptation strategies.