In Germany, the number of heat-related deaths has reached about 14,000

In Germany, since the beginning of the warm season, about 14,000 deaths may be linked to exposure to high temperatures. This estimate was published by the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), which conducts weekly monitoring of mortality during summer heat waves.

The calculations cover the period from April 6 to August 9, 2026. According to the institute's estimate, there are about 16.8 heat-related deaths per 100,000 residents of Germany.

Just a week ago, RKI estimated the figure at about 12,500 cases. Thus, after new data came in, the estimate increased by about 1,500. The statistics may still change, as reporting is delayed and the summer season is ongoing.

Most of the deceased are elderly people

The most vulnerable were residents of older age groups. Almost 10,500 of the estimated deaths are among people aged 75 and older.

The hardest period was the week from June 22 to 28, when temperatures exceeded 40 degrees in some areas of Germany. According to RKI estimates, about 9,600 heat-related deaths occurred in that week alone.

The current figure already exceeds estimates for any full year since at least 2016. For comparison, in 2018, which previously stood out for particularly severe heat, RKI estimated the number of such deaths at about 9,400, and in 2019 at 7,600.

This does not mean there are 14,000 death certificates in which heat is directly listed as the cause. The institute calculates the indicator statistically: experts compare actual mortality with expected levels and temperature data. High temperature often becomes an additional factor in cardiovascular, respiratory and other diseases, so it is rarely listed directly as the cause of death in documents.

RKI calls its estimates conservative. The statistics as of August 20 have not yet fully included the consequences of new periods of intense heat in mid-month, so the final figure for the summer may be higher.

Specialists recommend that elderly people, patients with chronic diseases and those taking medications that affect the body's water balance be especially attentive to their well-being during the heat. Doctors advise drinking water regularly, avoiding prolonged exposure to the sun and, if possible, staying in cool rooms during the hottest hours.

Based on materials from: Robert Koch Institute