Spain reported 1,029 excess deaths in June attributed to a severe heatwave, making it the second-hottest June on record. The country's Health Ministry released the data on Wednesday, noting that the temperature during the month was 3.2 degrees Celsius above normal.
Key Details
The heatwave peaked on June 23, when approximately 35.7 million people, or about 73% of the population, faced health risks due to extreme temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit). Among them, 38% were classified as being at high risk, according to the national weather agency AEMET. This June marked the highest number of heat-related deaths since 2015.
Background
Spain has experienced 12 heatwaves in June since 1975, with half occurring in the last decade. The record for the hottest June remains from 2025, when temperatures surged even higher. Experts have noted that all of the 13 hottest Junes recorded since 1961 have occurred in the 21st century, indicating a concerning trend in climate-related health impacts.
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This event could lead to increased healthcare costs and heightened demand for cooling products in Spain, impacting sectors such as healthcare and consumer goods. Investors will watch for further climate data and government responses to mitigate future heat-related health risks.