A record-breaking heatwave swept western Europe in late June 2026, with estimates suggesting more than 10,000 excess deaths across the continent — Germany alone saw an estimated 5,000 excess deaths, while England, Wales, and France each experienced significant increases as well. Excess deaths are the difference between observed deaths and what would normally be expected for that time period, making heatwaves a measurable public health crisis. These figures are based on modeling estimates rather than final official counts, as some countries are still tallying their numbers. Climate scientists have warned for years that without rapid emissions cuts, extreme heat events like this will become more frequent and deadly, affecting vulnerable populations including the elderly and those without air conditioning.