Severe heatwaves lead to thousands of deaths across Germany and England in 2026

Record-breaking temperatures have caused a surge in heat-related fatalities across Europe during the summer of 2026. In Germany, the State Institute for Physical Health reported 10,000 heat-related deaths as of July 30. Authorities have placed many regions under a red alert, with temperatures expected to reach 40 degrees Celsius, particularly threatening individuals over the age of 75.

Meanwhile, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed 2,877 heat-related deaths in England during May and June. Health Secretary Yvette Cooper stated that summer heat now imposes a burden on the National Health Service comparable to traditional winter pressures. This figure is nearly double the 1,504 deaths recorded in the summer of 2025 and approaches the 2022 historical record of 2,985. The UKHSA warned that the final 2026 toll may be significantly higher once July data is included.

Public health experts note that mortality rates rise noticeably when temperatures exceed 20 degrees Celsius. With the ongoing extreme weather conditions, authorities in both nations expect the death toll to climb further if the heatwaves continue throughout the remainder of the season.