Spain: Over 2,100 Deaths Linked to Extreme Heat in August

Tuesday 01 September 2026 - 13:09

The summer of 2026 has left a significant health impact in Spain. According to official data released on Tuesday, September 1, 2,149 excess deaths have been attributed to extreme heat during the month of August. This toll places the month among the deadliest recorded since the start of national statistical monitoring.

This estimate comes after several episodes of exceptionally high temperatures affecting Spain and much of Western Europe.

An August Almost as Deadly as the Previous Record

Data from the MoMo mortality surveillance system, linked to the Spanish Ministry of Health, shows that August 2026 is the second deadliest August since the system was launched in 2015.

The toll remains close to the record set in August 2025, when 2,184 deaths were attributed to the heat.

Across the entire period from May 15 to August 31, the MoMo system now estimates 5,234 deaths related to high temperatures. This is the highest level recorded during a summer period since the establishment of this system, even though the month of September has not yet been included in this estimate.

Catalonia Particularly Affected

Regional disparities are significant. Catalonia leads by a wide margin with 1,164 deaths attributed to the heat during August.

It is followed by the Valencian Community, with 227 deaths, and then by Andalusia, which counts 138.

These data illustrate the varying extent of heat episode impacts across regions, as well as the vulnerability of populations exposed to extreme temperatures.

Those Over 65 Represent the Vast Majority of Victims

The toll also highlights a strong concentration of deaths among the elderly.

Of the 2,149 deaths recorded in August, 2,064 involved individuals aged over 65. Among them, 1,285 were over 85 years old.

Women accounted for 1,283 of the recorded deaths, compared to 866 for men.

Extreme temperatures can directly cause conditions such as heat strokes, but they can also exacerbate existing cardiovascular or respiratory diseases. Elderly individuals are among the most vulnerable categories to these complications.

A New Heat Wave Expected in September

As Spain has just experienced a particularly deadly August, meteorological authorities are already anticipating another period of abnormally high temperatures.

The Spanish meteorological agency AEMET forecasts an unusual heat episode starting Thursday for the beginning of September. Temperatures could exceed 35 °C in much of the interior of the country, while many regions are expected to experience tropical nights, with temperatures remaining above 20 °C.

This new sequence could prolong the strain on health systems after a summer already marked by several episodes of intense heat.

A Recurring Health Signal

Beyond the monthly toll, the Spanish figures illustrate the growing difficulty in managing the health consequences of extreme temperatures. The repetition of intense heat episodes compels authorities to strengthen monitoring of vulnerable populations and preventive measures.

With over 5,200 estimated deaths since mid-May, the summer of 2026 is already among the heaviest periods since the start of MoMo statistics.

And as September has just begun, the upcoming hot days will be closely monitored by Spanish health and meteorological authorities.