Spain’s Environment Ministry announced on Monday that extreme heat has claimed 1,180 lives over the past two months—a dramatic spike compared to just 70 deaths during the same period last year.
The deaths, recorded between May 16 and July 13, were largely among individuals over the age of 65, with women accounting for more than half of the fatalities, according to data from the Carlos III Health Institute. The first week of July saw a particularly sharp rise in mortality linked to soaring temperatures.
“In that time frame, 76 red alerts for extreme heat were issued—compared to none in 2024,” the ministry said in a statement, describing the event as one of “exceptional intensity” marked by record-breaking average temperatures and an alarming rise in heat-related deaths.
The worst-affected regions included Galicia, La Rioja, Asturias, and Cantabria—areas in northern Spain that have historically experienced milder summers but are now facing extreme heat episodes more frequently. In recent weeks, much of Spain has endured sustained temperatures above 40°C (104°F), mirroring trends seen across Western Europe.
Last summer, a total of 2,191 deaths were linked to heat in Spain. The latest figures suggest the country could be on track for an even deadlier season.
The Spanish data comes shortly after a rapid analysis by researchers from Imperial College London and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine found that roughly 2,300 people had died from heat-related causes across 12 European cities during a 10-day stretch ending July 2. However, it’s unclear whether the two datasets use the same measurement methods.
As Europe continues to grapple with intensifying climate extremes, experts warn that heatwaves like this may become more frequent and deadly without aggressive climate action and improved protections for vulnerable populations.
