7:06 p.m.: August 1 – After one of the hottest if not the hottest July on record in Spain, 2,124 people died from the heat.

In a month when temperatures remained consistently high, with many recording up to 20 days of tropical or equatorial nights, the death toll exceeded last year’s peak.

With more heat to come and rains at levels well below normal, many fear that in August similar numbers will disappear. The high cost of energy, which many find unaffordable, adds to the concerns.

The energy crisis caused by the invasion of Ukraine has made energy a scarce resource, driving up prices and causing shortages in some regions. In an attempt to improve the situation in Spain, the government is encouraging companies to increase the air conditioning thermometer, but this too could cause problems.

With little end in sight in Ukraine and with more warm weather expected, tougher times can be expected.

11:06 a.m. July 26 – The number of people who died in Spain following the July heat wave has risen to 1,724.

Spain’s death rate following the heatwave has shown no signs of slowing, surpassing the 2021 total.

Extreme temperatures, coastal humidity and wildfires have all taken their toll on the population. Drownings are increasing as people bathe and the number of people rescued suffering from heat exhaustion on walks and hikes has also jumped, keeping emergency services busy.

Wildfires have also contributed to the heat and the death toll representing around 10 deaths so far this month, with official confirmation of the figures yet to follow.

Authorities are hoping the roughly five-degree reduction in temperatures expected for the last week of July will stem the tide, ending one of the highest heat-related death rates on record.

10:57 a.m. July 22 – In just three days, the death toll in Spain from the heatwave has doubled.

With little respite from the heat, the number of people dying from heat exhaustion and other heat-related causes continued to rise, and rapidly.

With numerous wildfires adding to both heat and poor air quality, conditions remain very harsh in some areas. A number of people have already lost their lives in the fire, while many others have lost their homes, pets and livelihoods.

Wildfires have destroyed nearly 150,000 hectares of land, more than five times the usual total for any given year. While most of the fires have affected bushland and grasslands, others like those in Castilla y Leon have destroyed large amounts of crops, including wheat which, due to the war in Ukraine, is already in short supply.

At ten days of the month, some predict that the number of deaths due to the heat wave could approach 2,000, more than an average year.

7:00 p.m. July 19 – The total number of deaths attributable to the heat wave in Spain has now risen to 537.

With higher temperatures expected over large parts of Spain this week, authorities have once again warned people to take the necessary precautions to protect themselves and others. The warning comes after a number of resorts closed beaches with extreme sand temperatures yesterday, while at last one death was recorded on a beach in Greece due to the heat.

Record high temperatures for this time of year are set to continue in Portugal, France and the UK, although there will be some respite mid-week before the mercury heads north again .

Authorities also reminded everyone to be careful as extreme fire conditions are expected to continue, with walkers and hikers urged to avoid areas that could get them stuck in the event of a wildfire. They also urge everyone to take in enough water, with dehydration being a major risk factor under current conditions.

At least two people died yesterday in the wildfires that swept through Zamora in Castile and Leon.

12:26 p.m. July 18 – The Carlos III Health Institute has updated its weekly figures regarding deaths and in particular heat-related deaths.

The latest figures show that 345 people died from heat-related illnesses for the week ending Friday July 15.

The update showing the number of fatalities comes as AEMET, Spain’s meteorological service, announced that the first half of July was the hottest on record with above average temperatures recorded every day of the month.

July saw record temperatures for the month in Portugal, Spain, France, Germany and the UK as wildfires destroyed hundreds of thousands of countryside across the Iberian Peninsula. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez traveled to Extremadura today to see the damage for himself, reaffirming the government’s commitment to prevention and control.

Visitamos algunas zonas afectadas por incendios en Extremadura para trasladar el compromiso del Gobierno en la lucha contra el fuego y en la recuperación de los territorios. El cambio climático mata, lo estamos viendo. Hagamos de las políticas ambientales una cuestión de Estado. pic.twitter.com/kkUCJIGat9

— Pedro Sanchez (@sanchezcastejon) July 18, 2022

9:58 p.m. July 16 – The latest figures released by the Spanish health authorities show that at least 237 people died from the heat between July 10 and July 14.

With higher temperatures expected and bushfires raging across the country, the high level of heat-related deaths is expected to continue for some time. By mid-month, the total number of heat-related deaths stands at 264.

High temperatures are also expected in Portugal, France, Germany and the UK, with all four countries issuing heat alerts. Fire warnings have also been issued in these countries along with advice recommending people to stay at home and refrain from travel.

Authorities have also asked people to make water and shade available for pets and local wildlife, all of which are affected by the extreme heat.

2:24 p.m. July 15 – Latest figures from Spain show that in the first three days of this week, 84 people died from the heat.

Latest figures released earlier today show a further 41 people died on Tuesday from ailments attributed to the heat. That number is expected to rise for the rest of the week, with temperatures continuing to rise on Thursday and forecasts for the weekend and following week showing that the heat is likely to continue.

10:58 a.m. July 15 – The latest heat wave in Spain has claimed at least 43 lives in the first two days according to figures released by the Carlos III Health Institute.

Figures released on Friday July 15 and as reported by Telecinco, indicate that the number of deaths recorded on Sunday July 10 and Monday July 11 were 15 and 28 respectively.

These figures take the number of people who died due to the heat according to the Daily Mortality Surveillance (MoMo) system in June and July totaling 829 and 111 respectively, as of July 11.

With the heat wave continuing through the week, the Institute warned that those numbers could be much higher when the latest figures are released.

In announcing the high level of deaths, the Institute reiterated the need to take precautions by drinking plenty of water, avoiding direct sunlight, caffeinated beverages and alcoholic beverages.

Carolina Darias, from the Institute, said: “Excessive heat can impair our vital functions when the body is unable to compensate for variations in body temperature and can cause problems such as sunstroke or heatstroke, or even aggravate pathologies. existing precedents.”

She added that you need to watch out for symptoms, especially in older people, which include discomfort, dizziness, headache, nausea and excessive sweating. As many cannot afford air conditioning, it is important to check that they are taking the necessary steps to stay cool.

These are all symptoms of heat stroke and if severe seek help immediately or you could lose consciousness or even die.

According to Mediored, parts of Western Europe have experienced severe drought due to the heat wave, leading to fires in Portugal, Spain, France and parts of northern Europe.

Temperatures hit 45C in southern Portugal and Spain, while most of Spain’s interior saw the mercury rise above 40C. Although there has been a respite during the week, temperatures are expected to hit the 40s again, including in the UK where they expect to record their hottest day on record.

Elsewhere, extreme temperatures were also recorded, with parts of North America seeing temperatures dry up lakes and spark wildfires, while Tunis broke a 40-year record on July 12 hitting 48C.

The Far East and the Middle East both recorded high temperatures, the most extreme in Iran, where the mercury peaked at 52C in late June.

With successive heat waves expected to continue through the summer, more people could die, and at rates higher than the 43 recorded in the first two days of the latest episode.

Thanks for taking the time to read this article, don’t forget to come back and check the Euro Weekly News website for all your up to date local and international news and remember, you can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram .