Belgium records 2,935 excess deaths during June-August heatwave

September 3, 2026 at 02:07 PM2 min

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Belgium recorded 2,935 excess deaths between June 18 and August 16, a 22.6% rise above expected mortality, according to public health institute Sciensano. The first heatwave period from June 18 to July 3 accounted for 2,035 of those deaths, a 48.8% excess. The institute said this was the highest heat-related mortality rate since monitoring began in 2000.

Key Facts

Belgium recorded 2,935 excess deaths from June 18 to August 16, 22.6% above the expected figure.
The June 18–July 3 heatwave caused 2,035 excess deaths, a 48.8% increase.
Sciensano said the June 18–July 3 mortality rate was the highest since heat-related monitoring began in 2000.
From July 4–17, Belgium recorded 535 excess deaths, 14.8% above expected levels.
From July 28–August 16, excess deaths totaled 365, 7% above the expected figure.

Heatwave Mortality Data

Belgium's public health institute Sciensano reported 2,935 excess deaths between June 18 and August 16, a 22.6% increase over the expected mortality rate. The first heatwave period, from June 18 to July 3, accounted for 2,035 excess deaths, a 48.8% rise. During that period, maximum temperatures approached 30 degrees Celsius for ten consecutive days and reached about 35 degrees on three days. Sciensano stated that the mortality level recorded from June 18 to July 3 was the highest since it began analyzing heat-related mortality in 2000.

Later Heat Periods

From July 4 to July 17, Belgium registered 535 additional deaths, corresponding to a 14.8% increase. Between July 28 and August 16, excess mortality totaled 365 cases, 7% above the expected figure. People over 65 showed the greatest vulnerability to extreme temperatures, but increased mortality was also recorded among younger age groups.

European Heat Context

The World Meteorological Organization reported in August that extreme heat periods are becoming more frequent, intense, and prolonged due to global climate change. Anomalous heat affected various regions of Europe multiple times during the summer.