Heatwaves cause thousands of deaths across Europe, linked to climate change and increasing health risks.
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Germany has recorded at least 5,120 heat-related deaths this year, with most occurring during a week-long heatwave that paralyzed much of Europe. The institute noted that about 4,270 of these fatalities were among those aged 75 and older. Other countries like France, Spain, Netherlands, and Belgium have also reported hundreds of such cases. A report from the Copernicus climate change service stated that June 2026 was the hottest on record for Western Europe, with average temperatures exceeding the 1991–2020 average by over 3°C, indicating that heatwaves will become longer, more intense, and deadlier due to rising air and water temperatures. Italy is facing a third heatwave this year, while another is forming over the Atlantic Ocean according to WHO officials. In Spain, extreme temperatures reached up to 44°C in some areas. Medical professionals warn that heat is not just discomfort but a dangerous environmental risk, increasing incidents of heart attacks, strokes, dehydration, and respiratory issues, especially among vulnerable groups. Climate change is directly linked to these extreme events; scientists found that such intense weather was nearly impossible fifty years ago. In Lithuania, climate change projections indicate rising average temperatures, increased frequency of heatwaves, and more frequent tropical nights.
