MADRID / RankWire.AI / – According to official daily mortality surveillance data released by the Spain-based Carlos III Health Institute, nearly 2,150 individuals lost their lives due to heat-related causes in August. The MoMo monitoring system recorded 2,149 excess deaths linked to extreme temperatures throughout the month, making it the second-highest August figure documented since data collection started in 2015. The ongoing series of European heatwaves continues to push seasonal mortality figures on the Iberian Peninsula to historic levels, with Spain registering close to 2,150 heat-related fatalities in August.
This toll only surpassed the 2,184 heat-related deaths reported in August 2025. Public health statistics reveal that from May 15 to August 31, a total of 5,234 people succumbed to thermal stress. This figure represents the highest summer mortality toll recorded by the national public health institute since its tracking system was launched, exceeding the previous summer peak of 4,652 deaths in 2022. As health authorities assess the systemic strain on regional emergency response systems, nearly 2,150 heat-related deaths in August continue to be documented.
Data from the Ministry of Health indicates that elderly populations faced the greatest mortality risks during the heatwaves. Of the 2,149 fatalities in August, 2,064 were people aged over 65, including 1,285 victims over the age of 85. Gender-specific data shows that women accounted for 1,283 of the deceased, while men made up 866. Medical professionals have highlighted that sustained high ambient temperatures aggravate chronic cardiovascular and respiratory illnesses among vulnerable groups.
Carlos III Health Institute Confirms August Toll Second Only to 2015
Regionally, the northeastern area of Catalonia recorded the highest concentration of fatalities due to heat, with 1,164 deaths reported in August. Following this, the Valencian Community reported 227 heat-related deaths, and Andalusia logged 138. Local public health agencies across these regions have expanded community outreach programs and increased access to cooling centers, although extreme nighttime temperatures have continued to impede physiological recovery among affected residents.
Meteorological forecasts from Spain’s State Meteorological Agency, AEMET, suggest that heat risks are likely to persist into early autumn. Forecasters have confirmed that a period of unusually hot weather for September is affecting central and southern provinces, with daytime temperatures rising well above typical seasonal averages. Climatologists note that Western Europe is experiencing more frequent, intense, and prolonged summer heatwaves, aligning with broader climate warming trends.
Valencia and Andalusia Follow in Regional Heat-Related Death Counts
The national health authorities continue collaborating with local governments to reinforce preventative measures and closely monitor high-risk patient registries. Emergency services have adjusted protocols to effectively address heat-induced health issues. Active public health advisories urge citizens to minimize outdoor activity during peak heat hours and stay well-hydrated amidst persistent unseasonable weather conditions.
Once final surveillance data for September is available, government agencies plan to undertake comprehensive evaluations of summer mortality. Public health experts emphasize that implementing long-term structural adaptations in urban infrastructure and improving public housing insulation are vital to safeguarding vulnerable communities from recurring extreme heat episodes. The official mortality data will remain accessible through government portals to inform future health policy and planning efforts.