Spain's June heatwave causes over 1,000 deaths, first half of the year sets new average temperature record

(CNA Madrid, July 1, 2026, Foreign News) Spanish officials stated today that over 1,000 deaths nationwide are linked to the heatwave currently sweeping Europe. Furthermore, the average temperature for the first six months of this year was 1.6 degrees Celsius higher than in previous years, setting a new record for the hottest first half of a year in Spanish history.

According to Agence France-Presse, the Carlos III Health Institute reported that at least 1,028 people died from heat-related illnesses during this heatwave.

The Spanish State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) statistics show that June of last year was the hottest June on record in Spain, with 407 deaths from heat-related illnesses. This year's death toll has more than doubled.

The Spanish State Meteorological Agency posted on social media platform X today that the average temperature for the first six months of 2026 broke the record for the hottest first half of a year in Spanish history, with an average temperature 1.6 degrees Celsius higher than in previous years. "The 7 hottest first halves of the year on record... have all occurred within the last 10 years."

The Spanish State Meteorological Agency stated that June 2026 was the second hottest June on record, with an average temperature 3.2 degrees Celsius higher than in previous years.

The scientific organization World Weather Attribution stated that this heatwave, which began sweeping Europe in late June, is the most severe on record for Europe and that such high temperatures in June would have been "virtually impossible" without climate change.

Germany, Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary all broke historical temperature records, while the United Kingdom and Switzerland also set new June high-temperature records.

France also experienced record-breaking average temperatures, with nighttime temperatures also reaching new highs. (Compiled by: Chang Ming-hsuan) 0701

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