BERLIN : The institute said more than 5,000 of the estimated heat-related deaths occurred during the hot spell in the second half of June, when temperatures in many parts of Germany approached 40°C.

Older adults accounted for the vast majority of the deaths. According to the institute, 5,420 people who died were aged over 85, while 2,460 were between 75 and 84 years old, 1,260 were aged 65 to 74, and about 630 were under the age of 65.

The institute noted that while some deaths were directly caused by heatstroke, most resulted from a combination of prolonged heat exposure and pre-existing medical conditions.

The estimated death toll has already surpassed the figure recorded in 2016, when about 9,000 heat-related deaths were reported, making 2026 one of the deadliest years for heat-related fatalities in Germany over the past decade.

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