50,391 people died in Europe due to the heatwaves of 2026

The summer of 2026 was marked by extreme heat in Europe, leading to over 50,000 deaths across 854 cities. This figure surpasses previous records from 2022 and 2003. Researchers analyzed temperature and mortality data to estimate heat-related deaths from June to August, attributing two-thirds of these to human-induced climate change. The World Meteorological Organization noted Europe is warming faster than any other continent, with temperatures rising by an average of 0.56 degrees Celsius per decade since the mid-1990s. The summer of 2026 was the third hottest on record, with the highest mortality rates among those aged 85 and older. The study only covered urban populations, suggesting the actual death toll could be higher.