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[HEALTH] · Germany · 100 sources

Germany’s June heatwave linked to more than 5,000 deaths

Germany’s public health institute, the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), reported that the June heatwave caused at least 5,120 excess deaths, with around 4,270 occurring in people aged 75 years or older. Temperatures in parts of the country rose above 40 °C (104 °F) at the end of June, marking the hottest June on record—about 3 °C above the 1991‑2020 average, according to the EU’s Copernicus Climate Change Service.

The extreme heat also triggered high wildfire danger across many German states. The German Weather Service (DWD) warned of forest‑fire risk reaching the highest warning level (Stage 5) in Bavaria, Baden‑Württemberg, parts of North‑East Germany and other regions, while UV‑index values were reported as very high. Forecasts expect continued hot, sunny conditions with “tropical” nights (overnight temperatures above 20 °C) and a possible increase in thunderstorms later in the week.

Health experts advised vulnerable groups—especially the elderly, heart‑disease patients and those on diuretics—to stay hydrated, avoid outdoor exposure during peak heat, monitor medication, and seek medical help promptly. The combination of record temperatures, elevated mortality, and heightened fire risk underscores the growing impact of climate‑related heatwaves on public health and safety in Germany.

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