Extreme heat sets a historic record in Europe with over 50,300 deaths in a single summer

Spain has recorded over 3,000 heat-related deaths in three months, matching a decade record. The summer of 2026 saw an estimated 50,391 deaths due to extreme heat, significantly surpassing previous years. Experts attribute this rise to climate change, with two-thirds of heat-related deaths linked to human-induced factors. The study highlights the impact of prolonged heat waves, early onset of extreme temperatures, and urban vulnerability. In Spain, 77% of the 6,824 heat-related deaths were attributed to climate change, with Barcelona and Madrid among the hardest-hit cities. The elderly population was particularly affected, with a significant percentage of deaths occurring in those aged 85 and older.