Belgium records hottest summer since 1830 with thousands of excess deaths

Belgium has experienced its hottest summer since records began in 1830, according to the Royal Meteorological Institute. The summer of 2026 saw an average temperature of 25.2 degrees Celsius, significantly exceeding the normal seasonal average of 17.9 degrees Celsius.

Data from the Belgian Public Health Institute, Sciensano, indicates that these extreme temperatures led to 2,935 more deaths than expected. The excess mortality occurred across three distinct heatwaves:

- From June 18 to July 3, there were 2,035 more deaths than expected, a rate 48.8% above the norm. - From July 4 to July 17, 535 additional deaths were recorded, exceeding expectations by 14.8%. - From July 28 to August 16, 365 additional deaths occurred, 7% above the expected level.

June 27 was identified as the deadliest day of the summer, with 641 deaths, representing a 146.5% increase over expected levels. During the period from June 16 to August 18, temperatures remained above 20 degrees Celsius for 64 days.