09.07.2026 14:01
The Robert Koch Institute announced that 5,120 people died in Germany due to the extreme heatwave in June. While those over 85 years old were most affected, temperatures are expected to rise again in the coming days.
The Robert Koch Institute (RKI), the authority on public health in Germany, reported that the number of deaths due to the extreme heatwave in June has risen to 5,120.
In June, when temperature records were broken consecutively in Germany, there was a significant increase in deaths. According to a report published by the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), the authority on public health in the country, the number of deaths caused by the heatwave in June rose to 5,120. It was noted that the deaths occurred due to heatstroke and the exacerbation of existing health problems by extreme heat.
THE ELDERLY WERE MOSTLY AFFECTED
According to a statement by the RKI, the elderly aged 85 and above were most affected by the extreme heat. Accordingly, 2,950 people over the age of 85 died due to the heatwave. 1,320 people aged 75-84, 550 people aged 65-74, and 300 people under the age of 65 lost their lives due to the heat. RKI data indicated that among those over 85 who died from extreme heat, 1,780 were women and 1,170 were men. It was reported that the deaths resulted from heatstroke and the worsening of existing health conditions due to extreme heat.
TEMPERATURES IN GERMANY TO RISE AGAIN
According to the latest data from the German Meteorological Office (DWD), temperatures in southern Germany will rise above 34 degrees Celsius starting tomorrow. On Sunday, temperatures in the south and southwest regions of the country will reach 36 degrees Celsius.
THE HIGHEST NUMBER OF DEATHS OCCURRED IN 2018
In Germany, 2,550 people died due to heat in 2025, 3,000 in 2024 and 2023, and 4,700 in 2022. The years with the highest number of deaths from extreme heat in Germany were 2019 with 6,900 deaths and 2018 with 8,400 deaths.
In June, temperatures in the country exceeded 41 degrees Celsius for three consecutive days, setting a record.