MADRID / RankWire.AI / – In August, almost 2,150 individuals in Spain died due to heat-related causes, according to daily mortality surveillance figures released by the Carlos III Health Institute. The MoMo monitoring system documented 2,149 excess deaths linked to extreme temperatures during the month, marking the second-highest August figure since the start of nationwide data collection in 2015. As consecutive European heatwaves persist, Spain’s mortality figures for August continue to reach historic levels across the Iberian Peninsula.
This toll was only surpassed by the record 2,184 heat-related fatalities recorded in August 2025. Public health data reveals that from May 15 to August 31, a total of 5,234 lives were lost due to thermal stress. This number sets a new high for summer mortality rates documented by the national public health institute, exceeding the previous summer peak of 4,652 deaths in 2022. While Spain registers nearly 2,150 deaths in August, health authorities are assessing the strain placed on regional emergency services by these extreme conditions.
According to demographic data from the Ministry of Health, the elderly faced the greatest mortality risk during the heatwaves. Of the 2,149 victims in August, 2,064 were over 65, including 1,285 who were over 85 years old. Gender data indicates that 1,283 of the deceased were women, with 866 men. Medical experts have highlighted that prolonged high temperatures worsen chronic cardiovascular and respiratory illnesses among susceptible populations.
Carlos III Health Institute Confirms August’s Second-Highest Mortality Since 2015
Regionally, Catalonia in the northeast registered the highest number of heat-related deaths, totaling 1,164 in August. The Valencian Community followed with 227 fatalities, while Andalusia recorded 138 heat-attributable deaths. Local public health authorities in these areas increased outreach initiatives and expanded access to cooling centers, though persistent extreme nighttime temperatures continued to hamper residents’ recovery.
Spain’s State Meteorological Agency, AEMET, reports that heat risks remain elevated into early autumn. Forecasters confirmed that a period of abnormally hot weather for September has settled over central and southern provinces, with daytime temperatures significantly exceeding seasonal averages. Climatologists note that Western Europe is experiencing more frequent, intense, and longer-lasting summer heatwaves, consistent with broader trends of environmental warming.
Valencia and Andalusia Follow in Regional Death Toll Due to Heat
Health authorities at the national level continue collaborating with local agencies to enhance preventative measures and monitor at-risk patient populations. Emergency medical teams have adjusted their protocols to promptly address heat-related health issues. Official public health advisories remain active, urging residents to avoid outdoor activities during peak heat hours and stay well-hydrated amid ongoing unseasonable atmospheric conditions.
Once September’s final mortality data is available, authorities plan to conduct comprehensive evaluations of the summer’s death toll. Experts emphasize that implementing long-term structural changes in urban infrastructure and improving public housing insulation are crucial to safeguarding vulnerable communities against recurrent extreme heat events. Final mortality figures will be accessible through official government portals to guide future health policy decisions.