Nearly 10,000 Dead in Germany During Late June Heatwave, RKI Reports

Following extreme temperatures reaching 40 degrees Celsius, Germany recorded nearly 10,000 heat-related deaths between June 22 and 28, according to the Robert Koch Institute.

Deadly June Heatwave in Germany

In the wake of extreme heatwaves that occurred from June 22 to 28, temperatures reached 40 degrees in many places in Germany. During this period, approximately 9.6 thousand people died, the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) reported on Thursday, August 6. This is almost twice as much as previously estimated. Originally, the institute reported over 5 thousand deaths due to extreme heat for this period.

According to the RKI, the total number of heat-related deaths this year has risen to approximately 11.9 thousand. As the institute reported, this is significantly more than in any full year since 2016. The highest number of heat victims in Germany has been recorded in 2018 so far – about 9 thousand.

The RKI emphasized that extremely high temperatures are dangerous primarily for the elderly. More than 6 thousand deaths in the week at the end of June concerned people aged 85 and over, and nearly 3 thousand people aged 75 to 84. Among people under 65 years of age, more than 1.1 thousand deaths were recorded.

Meteorological Records and Urgent Appeals

As RKI reported, from June 22 to 28, the average weekly temperature in Germany was 26.4 degrees, which is significantly above the 20-degree threshold from which heat-related mortality usually increases.

Data from the German Meteorological Service (DWD) show that this year’s June was the second warmest in Germany since records began. The highest temperature in the country’s history was recorded – 41.7 degrees in Neissemuende-Coschen (Brandenburg), near the border with Poland. The night from June 27 to 28 was, in turn, the warmest in observation history.

The Federal Medical Chamber, about 80 other European health organizations, and environmental organizations are demanding greater action from Germany and the EU for heat protection. They appeal, among other things, for the adaptation of care facilities, nurseries, kindergartens, and schools to climatic conditions and for the convening of an extraordinary heat summit by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

Europe Wrestles With Extreme Heatwave

Also in recent days, an extreme heatwave has been sweeping across Europe. In the Czech Republic, synopthicians recorded 41 degrees Celsius. It was even warmer in Austria, where the temperature reached 41.2 degrees in the spa town of Bad Deutsch-Altenburg near the border with Slovakia. A day earlier, the temperature near Vienna was 41 degrees. The warmest day on Wednesday, August 5, was in Slovakia. In Kamenica nad Hronom, thermometers indicated 41.4 degrees Celsius.

In Hungary, a third-degree heat warning is in effect until Friday evening. Due to this extreme weather and drought, first-degree water consumption restrictions have been introduced in 465 municipalities. These measures aim to limit the use of drinking water for non-essential purposes and include a ban on watering gardens with drinking water using a hose, among other things.

Energy Infrastructure Hit by Low River Levels

The low level of the Danube, whose waters are used to cool the installations of the Hungarian nuclear power plant in Paks, has led to a reduction in its output. Currently, 230 MW of energy is generated there instead of 2000 MW. Only one of the four blocks is operating. Only one of the two reactors is also working at the Cernavodă power plant in Romania.

Also in Slovenia, low levels and high water temperatures in the Sava River, which flows into the Danube, led to the decision to reduce the output of the country’s only Krško nuclear power plant to 80 percent.

The State Meteorological and Hydrological Institute of Croatia (DHMZ) issued the highest extreme heat warning for the entire country on Wednesday, which will also be in effect on Thursday. In the eastern part of the country, water levels in the Danube and Drava have fallen to record lows. Water services warned that the Orljava river, near Požega, and the Plitvica near Varaždin, may dry up in the coming days. Low water levels also caused the suspension of ferry traffic in Oborovo and are causing problems in fish farms and some elements of the water supply system in Slavonia and Dalmatia.

This summer, massive fires have hit Spain and France, where fire has consumed a record area. On Wednesday in Greece, a fire near a popular holiday resort northwest of Athens appeared to be largely under control. Hundreds of firefighters remained in the area to prevent the fire from spreading. Firefighters in Albania are also battling forest fires.