Germany's June heatwave caused about 9,600 deaths, RKI estimates

zeit.de (German)

Germany's Robert Koch Institute estimates about 9,600 heat-related deaths occurred in the June 22–28 heatwave, raising 2026's total to 11,900—more than any full year since 2016. Many places saw temperatures around 40°C. The weekly average hit 26.4°C. Most victims were elderly: over 6,000 were 85 or older, about 3,000 aged 75–84. The institute revised its earlier estimate upward. June 2026 was Germany's second-warmest June on record, with one of the hottest nights ever. Medical and environmental groups are urging stronger heat-protection measures.


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Germany's June heatwave caused about 9,600 deaths, RKI estimates | News Minimalist