Summer 2026 Deadliest on Record for Europe, Study Estimates Over 50,000 Heat-Related Deaths
Climate change is estimated to be responsible for two-thirds of the excess deaths in urban areas across 30 European countries, according to new research.
Summer 2026 was the deadliest on record for Europe, with extreme heat contributing to an estimated 50,391 excess deaths in urban areas across 30 countries, including the UK. Scientists from Imperial College London and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine published findings indicating that climate change was responsible for approximately two-thirds of these fatalities.
The study analyzed 854 urban areas, representing about 40% of the population in the studied countries, to estimate heat-related excess deaths during the summers from 2000 to 2026. The estimated death toll for Summer 2026 significantly surpasses previous records, with 2003 and 2022 each recording around 28,000 to 29,000 excess heat deaths.
Western Europe experienced its hottest summer on record, with average temperatures 2.9°C above the 1991-2020 average. A particularly severe period occurred between June 17 and July 1, when daily average temperatures were 5°C above average, accounting for nearly one-third of the total estimated deaths for the summer.
Southern and western Europe reported the highest death rates, while cooler countries like the UK saw approximately 4,500 deaths. The majority of fatalities, around 44,000, were among the elderly, though 6,000 deaths occurred in individuals under 65. Researchers noted that while older individuals, the very young, and those with pre-existing conditions are most vulnerable, current extreme temperatures also pose a threat to healthy individuals.
To determine the influence of climate change, researchers compared observed temperatures with those expected in a world without added greenhouse gases. This analysis suggested that climate change accounted for two-thirds of the heat-related deaths in 2026, a significant increase from earlier in the century when it was estimated to be responsible for about 40% of such deaths.
Experts emphasized that climate change is a widespread problem affecting all regions, with parts of Western and Northern Europe experiencing extreme heat and historically high health burdens. The significant death toll among younger age groups highlights the broad impact. The findings underscore the urgent need for cities to adapt to rising heat through measures such as increasing green spaces, reducing pollution, and enhancing healthcare for affected populations.