Germany recorded 9,600 deaths in just one week during the extreme heatwave that struck the country in June. According to the latest data released by the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), heat-related deaths have reached 11,900 since the beginning of 2026, setting a new all-time record.
The scorching temperatures that swept across Europe have led to a sharp rise in fatalities in Germany. In its latest report, the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), the country’s public health authority, stated that approximately 9,600 people died during the week of June 22–28 due to the severe heatwave. With temperatures approaching 40°C, the deadly week pushed the total number of heat-related deaths in Germany to 11,900 since the start of the year.
Highest Heat-Related Death Toll on Record
According to the RKI, although 2026 has not yet ended, it has already become the deadliest year of the past decade in terms of heat-related fatalities. The previous highest annual death toll was recorded in 2018, when around 9,000 people died due to extreme heat.
The updated report, based on data from the Federal Statistical Office and the German Meteorological Service (DWD), shows that the 2026 death toll has already surpassed the total annual figures recorded in every year since 2016. The institute had initially estimated around 5,000 deaths for the week in question, but as additional data became available, the true scale of the tragedy became evident.
Elderly Population Hit the Hardest
The statistics reveal that elderly people were by far the most affected by the extreme temperatures. Most deaths were linked to heatstroke and the worsening of chronic health conditions. The age distribution of the fatalities is as follows:
- 85 years and older: More than 6,000 deaths
- 75–84 years: Approximately 3,000 deaths
- 65–74 years: Approximately 1,800 deaths
- Under 65 years: More than 1,100 deaths
Experts warn that once the average weekly temperature—including both daytime and nighttime temperatures—exceeds the critical threshold of 20°C, the risk of heat-related deaths increases dramatically.