Heatwave in Japan could have caused over 1,000 deaths

• Japan has reported 1,028 deaths, attributing them to the heatwave’s impact on people over the course of the event
• In 2026, the heatwave is expected to be the worst since another record-breaking period, and the following year 2026 — the most severe
• Europe has already recorded temperature records in several countries, and the reasons behind the heatwave are explained by the climate change trend

After 1,000 deaths were reported in Japan due to the heatwave, officials said the number could rise further. The World Health Organization’s findings from the study show that 1,028 deaths were linked to the heatwave’s effects.

There were 407 more deaths than expected, and the heatwave in 2025 saw an increase in mortality. Aemet, the Spanish weather agency, said the number of deaths tied to the heatwave was the highest since 2015.

Aemet also said that the next six months of 2026 will likely see the most extreme heat since records began: average temperatures will be 1.6°C above normal. In 2026, with a likely increase, the average temperature is expected to be 3.2°C above normal.

It is expected that the heatwave will be driven by climate change, which is already making extreme heat more likely in Europe. According to a report by the World Weather Attribution group, without climate change, the heatwave would not have been as severe.

According to Aemet’s forecast, the highest temperatures are expected in Germany, Poland, Czechia, Slovakia and the United Kingdom. France recorded the highest average temperatures.

Tags: Weather/Ecology/Europe