Approximately 14,000 people have died from hot weather in Germany during the current summer, marking the highest figure since at least 1992, according to data from the Robert Koch Institute. These latest figures cover the period from the beginning of the year through August 9 inclusive, estimating the total number of heat-related deaths at 14,000. By comparison, epidemiologists estimated that 10,100 residents died due to heat in 1994, and 8,700 in 2018.
This summer, the majority of deaths occurred in the age group over 75, accounting for 10,300 fatalities. The institute's analysis highlighted two main periods of extreme heat, the first occurring in late June and the second from late July to early August. Most of the deaths—9,600—took place between June 22 and 28, when the average daily temperature was 26.4 degrees Celsius, with daytime temperatures locally exceeding 40 degrees Celsius. Researchers use statistical models to determine how much the death toll during periods of extreme heat exceeds normal figures.
This concerning statistics demonstrate how extreme climate changes and prolonged heatwaves can directly threaten human life and health, especially in the most vulnerable age groups. Notably, the 14,000 deaths surpass all negative records of previous years, prompting experts to review public health protection measures.
