An estimated 9,800 people in Germany have died from heat-related causes so far this year, according to the country’s Robert Koch Institute (RKI), as several regions brace for temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit).
The figures were published in the RKI’s weekly report on Thursday.
Older Adults Most Affected
According to the institute, the highest proportion of heat-related deaths has occurred among people aged 75 and older.
The RKI also said mortality rises significantly during weeks when average temperatures exceed 20 degrees Celsius (68 degrees Fahrenheit).
“Consequently, we anticipate that heatwaves occurring this summer will similarly lead to increased mortality,” the institute said.
More Extreme Heat Expected
Germany has already experienced a record-breaking heatwave in June, with temperatures reaching 40 degrees Celsius or higher across many parts of the country.
Forecasters are now expecting temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius in several regions again, raising concerns that the number of heat-related deaths will continue to increase.
