- RKI estimates that, in Germany, the ongoing heat wave could be linked to nearly 9,600 deaths.
- RKI says that from 30 April, it has been observed that around 9,800 deaths are linked to the heat wave.
- DWD says the temperature record for 27 April: at the station of Mkern-Drewitz in Saxony-Anhalt, 41.8 degrees Celsius was recorded.
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In Germany, the ongoing heat wave, according to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), could be linked to nearly 9,600 deaths. The new estimate is based on an analysis of how many deaths can be attributed to the heat wave, RKI said, adding that the number is higher than previously.
Between 22 and 28 April, the temperature was unusually high across Europe, while in Germany the number of days with such temperatures was lower.
RKI says that from 30 April, it has been observed that around 9,800 deaths are linked to the heat wave. The institute said that, although the number of deaths linked to the heat wave is higher, the number of deaths overall is lower than in previous years. The institute also said that the deaths are linked to the heat wave, with the number of deaths linked to the heat wave estimated at 11,900.
Based on new data from DWD, the German Weather Service, the temperature record for 27 April at the station of Mkern-Drewitz in Saxony-Anhalt was 41.8 degrees Celsius.
RKI said that, through the heat wave, the number of deaths in Germany could be higher than in any year since 2016. At the same time, it said that more than 6,000 of the deaths out of 9,600 are linked to the heat wave in the 85+ age group, while nearly 3,000 deaths are linked to the heat wave in the 7584 age group.
RKI attributes the increase in the number of deaths to long-lasting heat stress during the day and night, saying that the heat wave was more severe than in previous years. The institute said that the average temperature during the heat wave was 26.4 degrees Celsius.
After the temperature record in Germany, the German Weather Service said that the heat wave could be linked to the deaths. It said that the heat wave could have led to a higher number of deaths, especially among older people. It added that the heat wave could have been caused by the weather conditions and that the temperature remained high for several days.
The weather service also said that, in addition to the heat wave, the heat stress could have been exacerbated by the lack of precipitation and the dry conditions. It said that the heat wave was likely to continue, and that the temperatures could remain high for several days.