World
Germany estimates about 15,800 heat-related deaths in 2026
Germany recorded an estimated 15,800 heat-related deaths between April 6 and August 16, 2026, according to Robert Koch Institute figures reported by Die Zeit. About 9,600 deaths were attributed to extreme heat in late June, when temperatures exceeded 41°C in some areas. A further 4,000 were associated with unusually high temperatures during the first two weeks of August. People aged 75 and older were affected most. The 2026 estimate is the highest of the past decade, exceeding the previous peak of about 8,900 deaths in 2018.