More than 35,000 additional deaths occurred during heatwaves in Europe this summer.
68% confidence
HealthEuropean Union
Omissions
The sources describe the 35,000 figure as a preliminary, incomplete estimate ('at least 35,000'; 'according to incomplete data'), meaning the final toll could be higher — the claim's 'more than 35,000' is consistent with this but slightly overstates the precision of a provisional number.
No primary/official report (Eurostat, national statistics offices, peer-reviewed study) publishing this specific summer-2026 figure was located; both sources found are journalistic accounts that appear to draw on the same underlying analysis, so they may not be genuinely independent corroboration.
The figure is attributed to a rapid analysis of excess mortality rather than to an official statistical release, so it is not an official confirmed count.
Sources
SecondaryThe GuardianAt least 35,000 more people died during Europe's four record-breaking, back-to-back heatwaves this summer than would normally be expected.
SecondaryAnadolu AgencyAt least 35,000 more people than expected have died during four consecutive heat waves across Europe this summer, according to incomplete [data].