Spain records 1,180 heat-related deaths amid unprecedented summer temperatures

Spain is facing one of its most severe heatwaves on record, with 1,180 deaths linked to high temperatures since the national heat plan began in mid-May, according to the Observatory for Health and Climate Change (OSCC).

The figures, drawn from the Daily Mortality Monitoring System (MoMo) of the Carlos III Health Institute (ISCIII), cover the period from May 16 to July 13, 2025, Caliber.Az reports, citing Spanish media.

In contrast, the same period in 2024 saw only 70 such deaths, marking a more than 1,300% increase in heat-related mortality.

During this timeframe, the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) issued 76 red-level alerts for extreme heat—the highest level in the warning system. No red alerts were issued during the same period last year, signalling a substantial shift in climate conditions across the country.

At a recent monitoring meeting, the OSCC reviewed the evolving temperature trends and their health impacts. Experts highlighted June 2025 as the hottest June on record, with an average temperature of 23.6°C—0.8°C higher than the previous peak in 2017 and 3.5°C above the long-term average for 1991–2020. 

Projections for July indicate that temperatures will continue to exceed historical norms across all regions, with over 70% likelihood.

Health authorities also reported that the rise in temperatures has had a pronounced effect on vulnerable populations. Of the 1,180 heat-attributed deaths, 95% were individuals over the age of 65, and nearly 60% were women. Experts attribute this to both the demographic structure and physiological differences that increase sensitivity to heat in older adults.

Additionally, ten deaths have been directly linked to heatstroke since the heat plan’s activation. Five of these were among people over 65, four were between 52 and 62 years old, and one case lacked age information.

The north of Spain—traditionally known for its milder summer climate—has also seen unusual vulnerability. Galicia, La Rioja, Asturias, and Cantabria recorded some of the highest increases in heat-related mortality. Analysts suggest this may be due to lower levels of social and infrastructure adaptation to extreme heat events.

The Ministry of Health, along with regional authorities, continues to monitor the situation closely and urges the public, particularly older adults and those with underlying health conditions, to follow safety guidelines during high-temperature alerts.

Authorities have also emphasised the need for long-term strategies to address the growing public health threat posed by climate change, including strengthening early warning systems and improving resilience in at-risk communities.

By Aghakazim Guliyev