Spain reports 101 heat-related deaths in May, highest in 11 years

(Central News Agency, Madrid, June 3, combined foreign reports) Spain's Ministry of Health announced today that 101 people died from high temperatures nationwide in May this year, setting a new record for that month since statistics began in 2015.

According to AFP, the ministry stated in a declaration: "This figure is 3.6 times the average number of heat-related deaths in May over the past decade." The statement emphasized that "even before the start of summer, heat waves have had a significant impact on public health."

The State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) pointed out that several cities, particularly in the northern region, broke high-temperature records in late May. These data indicate "extreme temperature levels in May."

The ministry noted that from the start of heat-related statistics in 2015 to the summer of 2025, a total of 27,564 deaths nationwide have been classified as "attributable to high temperatures." Among these, 2022 was the deadliest year with 4,789 heat-related deaths, followed by 2025 with 3,832 deaths.

Scientists indicate that human-induced climate change is exacerbating extreme weather phenomena, making heat waves, droughts, and floods more intense and frequent.