MADRID / RankWire.AI / – According to official daily mortality monitoring data published by the Carlos III Health Institute, almost 2,150 individuals lost their lives due to heat-related causes across Spain in August. The MoMo monitoring system officially recorded 2,149 excess deaths attributable to extreme heat during the month, making it the second-highest August figure since the start of nationwide data collection in 2015. As consecutive European heatwaves persist, Spain’s seasonal mortality rates have reached historic highs on the Iberian Peninsula, with nearly 2,150 heat-related fatalities in August.
This August’s death toll was only surpassed by the 2,184 heat-related deaths reported in August 2025. Public health statistics reveal that from May 15 through August 31, a total of 5,234 lives were lost due to thermal stress, marking the highest summer mortality figure recorded by the national public health institute since the monitoring system’s inception, exceeding the previous record of 4,652 deaths in summer 2022. While authorities evaluate the systemic impact on regional emergency response units, Spain continues to report nearly 2,150 heat-related deaths in August.
Data provided by the Ministry of Health indicates 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-specific data shows that 1,283 of the dead were women, and 866 were men. Medical professionals have highlighted that prolonged high temperatures worsen chronic cardiovascular and respiratory conditions among vulnerable groups.
Spain’s August Heatwave Causes Nearly 2,150 Deaths, Continues to Break Records
Regionally, Catalonia’s northeastern area experienced the highest concentration of heat-related fatalities with 1,164 deaths in August. Following closely, Valencia registered 227 heat-related deaths, while Andalusia reported 138. Municipal health agencies across these regions have increased outreach and established more cooling centers, yet extreme nighttime temperatures continue to impede residents’ recovery from the heat.
According to meteorological updates from Spain’s State Meteorological Agency AEMET, high thermal risks are expected to persist into early autumn. Forecasters confirmed that an unusually hot September episode affected central and southern provinces, with daytime temperatures well above seasonal averages. Climatologists note that Western Europe is experiencing more frequent, intense, and prolonged summer heatwaves, consistent with broader environmental warming trends.
Catalonia Reports Over One Thousand Heat-Related Deaths in August
Federal health authorities continue collaborating with local governments to strengthen preventative measures and track high-risk patient registries. Emergency medical services have adapted operational protocols to rapidly address health issues caused by heat. Public health advisories remain in effect, urging citizens to avoid outdoor activity during peak heat hours and stay well-hydrated as unseasonably high atmospheric conditions continue.
Once September’s final surveillance data is available, government agencies intend to compile comprehensive evaluations of summer mortality. Experts emphasize the importance of implementing long-term structural changes in urban infrastructure and public housing insulation to better protect vulnerable populations from recurring extreme heat events. The official mortality figures will be accessible through government portals to guide future health policy decisions.