Spain’s heatwave is causing more deaths than in June, and experts warn it’s not over yet

Health experts in Spain say that even though Spain has officially ended its second heatwave this summer, the dangers of extreme temperatures are not over. According to preliminary estimates, the six-day heatwave that ended Thursday 9th July is linked to 463 fatalities. This makes it more deadly than the first heatwave of the summer in late June.

Even though temperatures are expected to drop slightly this weekend, many areas of Spain will still experience unseasonably hot weather. The authorities are warning people to be cautious, particularly older adults and people with pre-existing health conditions.

Spain’s second summer heatwave is the deadliest so far

According to Spain’s Daily Mortality Monitoring System MoMo, 463 deaths have been linked to the heatwave that lasted from Saturday 5 July to Thursday 9th July.

This figure is significantly higher than 333 deaths due to heat during the first official heatwave, which occurred between 21-25 June.

The biggest increase in deaths occurred during the final days of the recent heatwave. On 8 and 9 of July, 261 deaths were reported. Thursday was the worst day.

MoMo estimates 138 deaths on 9th July were caused by extreme temperatures, while 123 deaths were reported the day before, reflecting the impact that high temperatures had across the country.

These figures are still preliminary, and they will likely be refined as new data becomes accessible in the next few days.

Understanding what these numbers represent is important. MoMo does NOT record heat related deaths. MoMo uses a well-known statistical model which compares the expected mortality to the number deaths that are actually recorded. Daily temperature data is also taken into account. The excess mortality is the difference between expected and actual mortality. It provides an estimation of the number deaths associated with extreme temperatures.

Who is at the greatest risk when extreme heat occurs?

The health authorities have stressed repeatedly that extreme heat is not the same for everyone.

Most vulnerable are older people, those with respiratory and heart problems or chronic conditions. High temperatures increase the strain on the body and can worsen existing conditions.

The final day of this heatwave saw thermometers reaching 42C in some parts of Spain. Nearly the entire country had been placed under a weather alert.

Around 10 regions were placed on orange alert, which indicates a serious health risk from extremely high temperatures.

Heatstroke and dehydration are often associated with heat related illnesses, but prolonged exposure to high temperatures, especially in vulnerable groups, can cause significant damage to the cardiovascular system and respiratory system.

Spain may have a heatwave over, but temperatures are still very high.

Meteorologists have said that Spain will no longer be able to meet the strict criteria for a heatwave. This does not mean that the heatwave is over. It is not clear how to get there. Temperatures will be returning to normal.

According to Aemet spokesperson Rubén del Campo, much of the country will continue to experience very high temperatures over the coming days, despite the official end of the heatwave.

Advice for those who are spending time outside is largely unchanged. The best way to minimize the health risks of prolonged hot weather is to stay hydrated, avoid strenuous activities during the hottest parts of the day, and check on elderly family members or neighbors.

These latest statistics also show the impact of extreme temperatures this summer.

MoMo reports that in just the first ninedays of July, there were 621 deaths attributed to heat.

In the larger picture, there were 939 deaths in June that are believed to be linked to extreme heat.

Spain’s Ministry of Health has implemented its annual summer plan on 15 May. Since then, excess temperatures have caused an estimated 1,667 fatalities across the country.

These numbers highlight an increasing reality in Spain. Even after an official heatwave has ended, health risks can persist for several days, especially during extended periods of extremely hot weather. Health officials are urging residents and tourists to remain vigilant despite temperatures still being well above the seasonal averages in many parts of the country.