Spain has recorded over 1,180 heat-related deaths since mid-May, according to updated data released by the Ministry for the Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge (MITECO), highlighting the growing human cost of extreme weather driven by climate change.
The figures, covering the period between 16 May and 13 July 2025, represent a more than tenfold increase on the same time frame last year, when only 70 such deaths were reported. The worst-affected groups are elderly people over 65, with women accounting for nearly 60% of the victims, due to higher rates of underlying vulnerability and often limited access to cooling infrastructure.
The data coincides with confirmation that June 2025 was the hottest in Spain’s recorded history, averaging 23.6°C, almost a full degree above the previous high. AEMET, the national meteorological agency, warned of a severe thermal anomaly spreading across much of the country, with no immediate sign of relief.
Regional Impact
While the entire country has been affected, regions such as Andalusia, Castilla y León, Galicia, La Rioja, and Asturias have been particularly hard-hit:
- Castilla y León recorded 59 deaths attributed to heat — six times the previous year’s figure.
- Andalusia registered 111 heat-related deaths, compared to just 18 in the same period of 2024.
- The first week of July alone saw a 47% rise in deaths compared to the full month of June.
The Ministry noted that the increase was not confined to the south, but is now being seen in traditionally milder regions, revealing a dangerous lack of adaptation to prolonged high temperatures.
Expert Perspective
Climate scientists and health professionals have reiterated the seriousness of the situation. Dr Marta Sanz, a public health researcher with the Carlos III Health Institute, warned:
“This is no longer a future threat. Extreme heat is already our most lethal climate-related risk. Vulnerable populations — especially the elderly, the poor, and those with chronic illnesses — face mounting dangers.”
Experts point to urban design, poor ventilation in housing, and a lack of structured national response plans as contributing factors to the mortality rate. Spain’s Observatorio de Salud y Cambio Climático (Climate and Health Observatory) is working with local governments to refine alert systems and improve outreach.
Practical Measures and Public Advice
The Ministry has reissued public health guidance, urging citizens to:
- Avoid outdoor activity between 12:00 and 17:00, especially in central and southern provinces
- Stay hydrated, even if not feeling thirsty
- Use light clothing, sun protection, and fans or air conditioning where possible
- Check regularly on elderly relatives and neighbours
- Avoid alcohol and heavy meals in extreme heat
In urban areas, mayors have been asked to open public buildings as cooling shelters, and distribute resources to vulnerable residents. Local campaigns have been launched in Madrid, Valencia and Seville to help prevent further casualties.
Climate Warning
Spain is among the EU countries most exposed to rising temperatures, and scientists fear that without faster adaptation and green infrastructure investment, the annual death toll will continue to climb.
This summer has already exceeded the pace of last year’s heatwave fatalities — and officials warn the most intense period, typically late July to mid-August, has yet to begin.
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