Belgium recorded 2,935 excess deaths during a series of summer heatwaves, according to the national public health institute Sciensano.
The deaths occurred between June 18 and August 16, during three major periods of extreme heat. Overall, mortality during the period was 22.6% above expected levels.
The figures come just days after authorities confirmed that summer 2026 was the hottest on record in Belgium.
Belgium Heatwave Deaths Rise During Extreme Heat
The first heatwave produced the largest increase in deaths.
Between June 18 and July 3, Belgium recorded 2,035 excess deaths. Mortality during that period was 48.8% higher than expected.
Sciensano said it was the highest excess mortality recorded during a Belgian heatwave since the institute began its analysis in 2000.
However, the later heatwaves also added hundreds of deaths to the overall figure.
Thousands of Excess Deaths Recorded
Between July 4 and July 17, Belgium recorded another 535 excess deaths.
Then, from July 28 to August 16, another 365 deaths occurred above the expected level.
That final period represented a 7% increase in mortality.
Together, the three periods produced a total of 2,935 excess deaths.
Summer 2026 Was Belgium’s Hottest on Record
The deadly heat came during an exceptionally warm summer.
Belgium’s national weather agency reported that summer 2026 was the country’s hottest on record.
At the official reference station in Uccle, near Brussels, the average temperature reached 20.3°C. That was 2.4°C above the average recorded during recent decades.
As a result, the country joined several European nations that experienced unprecedented temperatures this summer.
Older People Face the Greatest Risk
Older people remain particularly vulnerable during extreme heat.
Sciensano said people aged 65 and above accounted for most heatwave-related deaths.
However, the health institute also found excess mortality among younger age groups.
Extreme heat can place enormous stress on the heart and other organs. Therefore, prolonged periods of high temperatures can become dangerous even for people without serious underlying health problems.
Heatwaves Also Increased Wildfire Risks
Belgium’s third heatwave coincided with the start of the country’s worst wildfire in modern history.
Dry conditions and extreme temperatures created dangerous conditions for vegetation and forests.
Meanwhile, firefighters faced difficult conditions as they worked to contain the blaze.
The combination of extreme heat, dryness and wildfires added another layer of pressure on emergency services.
Climate Change Intensifies Extreme Heat
Scientists have repeatedly warned that climate change is making extreme weather more intense.
As global temperatures rise, heatwaves are becoming more frequent and longer in many parts of the world.
Consequently, health authorities are increasingly concerned about the impact on vulnerable populations.
The latest Belgian figures provide another example of how extreme heat can affect public health.
Europe Faces Widespread Heatwave Deaths
Belgium was not alone in experiencing a deadly summer.
Germany recorded around 14,000 heat-related deaths during the summer, according to official data cited in the latest reporting.
Spain also recorded thousands of heat-related deaths during the season. France likewise reported a significant increase in excess mortality.
Therefore, the Belgian figures form part of a much wider European health crisis linked to extreme temperatures.
Global Temperature Records Continue to Fall
The extreme heat also extended beyond Europe.
According to analysis of Copernicus climate data, 33 countries across regions including western Europe, the Sahel and Central America recorded their hottest July since records began.
That trend highlights the increasingly global nature of extreme heat.
At the same time, governments face growing pressure to strengthen heat-warning systems and protect vulnerable communities.
Public Health Systems Face Growing Pressure
Heatwaves can put significant pressure on hospitals, emergency services and care facilities.
Authorities must therefore prepare for periods of extreme temperatures before they arrive.
That includes issuing timely warnings, checking on vulnerable residents and ensuring access to cooling facilities.
In addition, cities need long-term strategies to reduce the effects of rising temperatures.
Belgium Heatwave Deaths Highlight Climate Risks
The Belgium heatwave deaths recorded this summer show the human cost of extreme temperatures.
Nearly 3,000 excess deaths occurred during less than two months of heatwaves.
The figures also underline why climate adaptation has become an urgent public health issue.
While governments continue efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, communities must also prepare for increasingly severe heat.
A Warning for Future Summers
Belgium’s record-breaking summer has delivered a stark warning.
Extreme heat is no longer simply a weather inconvenience. It can cause widespread health problems and significantly increase mortality.
Therefore, stronger preparation will be essential as temperatures continue to rise.
For Belgium and the rest of Europe, the latest death figures show that protecting people from extreme heat must remain a priority.
