In Euskadi have been recorded since the start of summer 297 deaths have been statistically attributed to heat. Spanish media reported this on 24 August 2026, citing current analyses attributed to the Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII) and the system MoMo According to the figures, 92 per cent over 65 were in this group, among whom 182 over 85 were. In addition, 185 women are listed.
These figures are not clinical causes of death, but epidemiological estimates from the MoMo system (Monitorización de la Mortalidad diaria): MoMo compares observed with expected overall mortality and attributes a proportion of the excess to temperature excess. This captures both direct effects of heat and indirect effects on pre-existing conditions. The ISCIII is part of Spain’s Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities and is affiliated with it.
Regional context: Euskadi experienced very high temperatures repeatedly in recent weeks. The Basque Government activated the Plan de Calor 2026 and called on older people and those with chronic illnesses in particular to take protective measures. On 24 August, Radio Bilbao also reported that Osakidetza had treated 16 people because of the heat. Such isolated emergency-service figures point to peaks in strain, but do not replace MoMo’s population-level assessment.
The figures released today fit with partial figures reported earlier this summer and are consistent with the pattern of increased mortality during heat episodes in several regions of Spain. It is important to distinguish facts from attribution: observed mortality has indeed risen; the proportion attributed to heat is a statistical estimate at population level, not a legally or clinically confirmed cause in any individual case.
Implications and interests: For the authorities, the distribution of cases – 92 per cent over 65, including 182 over 85 – confirms the particular vulnerability of high-risk groups. Priorities therefore include early warning levels, publicly accessible cool spaces, neighbourhood support and targeted outreach to care homes. Scientifically, it remains to be established what share of regional excess mortality is due to short-term heat peaks, urban heat islands or social factors. Health services and local authorities can measure the effectiveness of their preventive measures by tracking future heatwaves.
Status of the information: published on 24 August 2026 by regional media, citing MoMo/ISCIII analyses and information from the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities.
Editor: Andreas M. Brucker (Article created with AI assistance).