Published on, Sept. 23 -- September 23, 2025 2:56 PM

Europe faced a devastating summer in 2024, with over 60,000 people dying due to extreme heat, a new study revealed. Researchers said this alarming number underlines the urgent threat posed by accelerating climate change across the continent.

The Spain-based Barcelona Institute for Global Health analyzed mortality data from 32 European countries covering 539 million people. They estimated 62,775 deaths occurred during the record-breaking heat, nearly 25 percent higher than the previous summer's toll.

Read more : Europe sizzles under extreme heatwave as temperatures soar to 47degC

Italy recorded the highest number of heat-related deaths at around 19,000, followed by Spain and Germany,...