Record-Breaking Heatwave in Europe Causes Over 62,700 Deaths in Summer 2024

The summer of 2024 in Europe was marked by unprecedented heat, setting new temperature records and leading to a significant rise in heat-related fatalities. A comprehensive study conducted by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal) estimates that approximately 62,775 deaths were linked to extreme heat across 654 regions in 32 countries between June 1 and September 30, 2024. This figure represents a 23.6% increase compared to the summer of 2023, which saw about 50,800 heat-related deaths, although it remains slightly below the nearly 67,900 deaths recorded during the summer of 2022.

The analysis, published in Nature Medicine, highlights Italy as the country most affected, with over 19,000 estimated deaths—higher than the 13,800 in 2023 and 18,800 in 2022. Spain followed, with more than 6,700 fatalities, while Germany, Greece, and Romania also reported significant mortality counts. Notably, Greece and Bulgaria experienced the highest death rates per million inhabitants, emphasizing the severe impact of heat in southeastern Europe.

The data reveal that women and older adults faced higher mortality risks, with women experiencing a 46.7% higher death count than men during summer 2024. People over 75 years old saw mortality rates 323% higher than younger groups. Regional differences showed that although 2022 and 2023 were hotter overall, 2024's highest temperatures in southwest and southeast Europe correlated with increased mortality, underscoring regional vulnerability.

Experts from ISGlobal, including lead researcher Tomáš Janoš, indicate Europe is warming twice as fast as the global average, with the Mediterranean and southeastern regions emerging as hotspots for climate change impacts. The study also emphasizes the importance of early warning systems, such as Forecaster.health, which accurately predicts regions at high risk of heat-related deaths at least a week in advance, providing vital tools for emergency response.

Methodologically, the study utilized detailed temperature and mortality data, applying refined epidemiological models to estimate heat-related deaths more accurately than previous years. The findings suggest that during the three summers studied, there were over 181,000 heat-related deaths in Europe, predominantly in southern countries. The results reinforce the urgent need for strengthening adaptive measures and implementing impact-based heat-health early warning systems to mitigate future risks.

For further insights, the full study can be accessed in Nature Medicine, authored by Tomáš Janoš, highlighting the critical importance of preparedness and adaptive strategies in the face of intensifying climate threats.