Alexandra Schneider estimates that 5,120 heat-related deaths occurred in Germany in the first half of 2026.
Alexandra Schneider, a meteorologist and epidemiologist, reports that Germany experienced 5,120 heat-related deaths between January and June 2026. These figures were calculated by the Robert Koch Institute by correlating temperature trends with death records, assuming heat-related mortality begins at weekly average temperatures of 20 degrees Celsius or higher. The data highlights a significant spike in mortality during the final week of June, which saw 4,310 of the total heat-related deaths. Schneider noted that while cold-associated mortality remains higher in Europe, the net number of deaths is increasing as heat-related mortality rises faster than cold-related deaths decline. She emphasized that heat is strongly associated with heart attacks and strokes, often pushing patients with pre-existing conditions to their physical limits. The findings suggest that while heatstroke is a primary indicator, the broader impact of high temperatures on chronic diseases is substantial. Schneider concluded that the current rise in heat-related deaths is a significant trend that underscores the growing impact of rising global temperatures on public health.