This summer's heatwaves across Europe are estimated to have caused more than 30,000 deaths, according to a new study.

The analysis, which draws on data from EuroMomo and national health authorities, recorded approximately 33,000 heat-related deaths across eight countries: Austria, Belgium, England, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain. The final week of June saw the highest number of fatalities, with nearly 16,000 excess deaths recorded.

This figure was followed by the first week of July, which recorded around 8,000 heat-related deaths. In the UK, separate research estimated that heatwaves in May and June led to over 2,700 deaths, with climate change contributing to nearly half of these.

Germany reported 14,000 heat-related deaths through August 9, the highest number since records began in 2016. France estimated 7,300 deaths between late May and July 22. Spain recorded nearly 4,500 deaths attributed to heat between June 1 and August 19. Belgium's provisional toll indicated 2,570 excess deaths between June 18 and July 17, a significant figure relative to its population.

The Netherlands reported 968 excess deaths between June 22 and July 5. Austria recorded 396 deaths, and Portugal reported over 600 deaths from mid-June to the end of July.

Researchers from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) noted that heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense due to human-driven climate change, posing a significant health risk. They emphasized the need for adaptation measures in infrastructure and homes to protect vulnerable populations, including the elderly and young children.

Experts suggest that while southern England experienced the highest temperatures, the death rate was similar in the Midlands, potentially indicating greater vulnerability in regions less accustomed to extreme heat. The current situation highlights the growing risk to public health, exacerbated by the strain on healthcare systems, such as NHS hospitals having to cut services. Experts advocate for immediate measures like air conditioning in hospitals and schools, alongside a long-term commitment to achieving net-zero emissions to mitigate further increases in extreme heat and its deadly consequences.