MADRID / RankWire.AI / – According to official daily mortality surveillance data published by the Carlos III Health Institute, nearly 2,150 lives were lost due to heat-related causes across Spain in August. The MoMo monitoring system officially recorded 2,149 excess deaths attributable to extreme temperatures throughout the month, marking the second-highest August figure recorded since the start of national data collection in 2015. As ongoing European heatwaves push seasonal mortality figures to record highs across the Iberian Peninsula, Spain reports close to 2,150 heat-related fatalities in August.
The only August with a higher toll was 2025, which saw 2,184 heat-related deaths. Public health data shows that between May 15 and August 31, a total of 5,234 individuals died from thermal stress, representing the highest summer mortality total recorded by the national public health institute since its tracking system began, surpassing the previous peak of 4,652 deaths in summer 2022. Spain’s nearly 2,150 heat-related deaths in August continue to be evaluated by health authorities as they assess the systemic strain on regional emergency response networks.
Data provided by the Ministry of Health reveals that the elderly population faced the greatest risks during the heatwaves. Of the 2,149 victims in August, 2,064 were over 65 years old, including 1,285 who were over 85. Gender statistics show that 1,283 of the deceased were women, and 866 were men. Medical experts have noted that sustained high ambient temperatures worsen chronic cardiovascular and respiratory conditions among vulnerable groups.
Carlos III Health Institute Confirms Second-Busiest August Since 2015
Regionally, Catalonia’s northeastern area recorded the highest number of heat-related fatalities, with 1,164 deaths during August. Valencia followed with 227 deaths, while Andalusia reported 138 heat-attributed deaths. Regional public health agencies expanded community outreach and cooling center services, but extreme nighttime temperatures continued to hamper recovery for affected residents.
Spain’s State Meteorological Agency AEMET issued weather updates indicating that thermal risks are still high into early autumn. Forecasters confirmed that a period of unusually hot weather for September affected central and southern provinces, with daytime temperatures significantly exceeding seasonal norms. Climatologists highlight that across Europe, intense, prolonged, and more frequent summer heat episodes are consistent with broader climate warming patterns.
Valencia and Andalusia Rank Second and Third in Regional Heat Deaths
Federal health agencies continue to collaborate with local authorities to strengthen preventative measures and track high-risk patient registries. Emergency medical teams have modified operational protocols to respond swiftly to heat-related health issues, as detailed in health advisories. Citizens are advised to limit outdoor activities during peak heat hours and stay well-hydrated amid ongoing unseasonable atmospheric conditions.
Once September surveillance data is finalized, authorities plan to publish a comprehensive review of summer mortality. Experts emphasize that implementing long-term structural adjustments in urban infrastructure and public housing insulation is vital to protect vulnerable populations from recurrent extreme heat events. Final mortality statistics will be accessible through official ministry portals to inform future health policy decisions.