Spain reports record heat-related deaths for May

Spain's Ministry of Health reported 101 deaths attributed to a heatwave during May, the highest figure for this month since data collection began in 2015. This total is 3.6 times higher than the average number of heat-related deaths recorded in May over the last decade. The data was compiled using the MoMo (Mortality Monitoring) system, which tracks the variance between actual and expected mortality rates. The Spanish National Meteorological Agency (Aemet) noted that temperatures reached record levels, particularly in northern regions, describing the heatwave as persistent and extreme for the time of year. A heat prevention plan, active from May 13 to September 30, uses a color-coded alert system to warn the public. Officials emphasized that the risk of death increases by nearly 10% for every additional degree recorded above the established health threshold. This event occurred as various parts of Europe experienced similar record-breaking temperatures.