Spain records nearly 4,500 heat-related deaths this summer, Carlos III Health Institute says
From 1 June to 19 August the Carlos III Health Institute logged the highest heat-related death toll in four years.
Spain registered nearly 4,500 deaths linked to high temperatures between 1 June and 19 August, the Carlos III Health Institute reported, marking the highest toll in the past four years.
The institute said the figure covers fatalities associated with heatwaves and problems stemming from water shortages during the summer months. For context, the same period last year saw 3,073 heat-related deaths, while in 2024 the number was 1,890.
By comparison, the institute's data show that in the period from 1 June to 19 August 2022 there were 4,520 deaths tied to extreme heat.
Health authorities monitor excess mortality during heat episodes to assess the public-health impact and guide emergency responses. The Carlos III Health Institute compiles seasonal figures to compare the burden of successive summers on hospitals and vulnerable populations.
Experts warn that aging populations, urban heat islands and disrupted water supplies increase vulnerability when prolonged high temperatures occur, and public-health services typically advise measures to protect older adults and people with chronic conditions.
The institute’s update underscores the continuing toll of recent European heatwaves and the pressure they place on health systems and municipal services during peak summer months.
Photo: press material from the event
