A heatwave sweeping across much of Europe and breaking temperature records has been linked to an estimated 212 deaths in Spain between Sunday and Wednesday, according to figures released by a public institute.
Spain’s mortality monitoring system, MoMo, compiles daily death statistics and calculates excess mortality by comparing them with levels foreseeable from historical records.
The data showed a steady rise in fatalities: 13 deaths on Saturday, 38 on Sunday, 66 on Monday, and 95 on Tuesday.
The heatwave also shattered temperature records. Cantabria registered its highest temperature ever at 43.7°C (110.7°F). Record‑high overnight temperatures were reported in Zamora city and Almeria province.
Spain’s national weather service, Aemet, issued no red heat alerts for Thursday. Temperatures were still forecast to reach 37–38°C (98.6–100.4°F) in several regions, while some areas were expected to see rainfall and thunderstorms.
