Nearly 10,000 heat-related deaths in Germany so far this year, says institute
The RKI said more than 5,000 deaths followed a record June heatwave, with people 85 and older accounting for the largest share.
- The Robert Koch Institute reported approximately 9,800 heat-related deaths in Germany up to mid-July 2026, a toll already exceeding any single year since at least 2016.
- More than 5,000 deaths were linked to a record-breaking heatwave in the second half of June, when temperatures in many areas reached 40°C or more.
- Mortality is heavily concentrated among older people, with 5,420 deaths in the 85 and over age group; 2,460 were aged 75–84, and 630 younger than 65.
- Opposition parties and The German Social Association have called for increased investment in air conditioning, with CEO Michaela Engelmeier stating the federal government must stop shifting responsibility to states and municipalities.
- Across Europe, at least 12,000 excess deaths were linked to heat in June alone, as scientists warn that human-caused climate change is making heatwaves more frequent and intense.
59 Articles
59 Articles
The Robert Koch Institute has published new figures on heat-related deaths in Germany – and the dimension itself surprises experts.
Germany records nearly 10,000 heat-related deathsAlmost 10,000 deaths in Germany this year have been linked to high temperatures. The elderly have been hit hardest by the heat.
Wilfred Druml explains in his guest commentary which risk factors are present and what needs to be done in the event of an emergency.
The Robert Koch Institute estimates almost 10,000 heat-related deaths for the previous summer. However, the number was not calculated on the basis of death certificates, but calculated statistically. More than half of the cases are attributable to people aged 85 and over.
So far this year, almost 10,000 people have died from heat-related causes in Germany. That's more than the full-year figures for any single year in the past decade.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 52% of the sources lean Right
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
