Spain experiences initial human fatality due to ongoing heatwave
In the heart of Europe, Spain is currently grappling with a prolonged heatwave, with temperatures soaring above 40°C in many parts of the country. The State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has issued warning levels in 12 of the country's 17 autonomous communities, signalling the severity of the situation.
The predicted long-term effects of this heatwave on public health and the environment are concerning. Extreme heat events, such as those seen in the 2025 European heatwaves, have been linked to thousands of deaths, with around 380 deaths in Spain in June 2025 attributed directly to high temperatures. Vulnerable groups, including elderly people, pregnant women, and children, are particularly at risk, as heat compromises physiological cooling processes and increases morbidity. The Spanish Ministry of Health has issued health warnings due to extreme heat, underscoring the ongoing risk.
On the environmental front, the heatwave contributes to severe dry conditions and heightened wildfire risk. In 2025, wildfires in Spain caused fatalities and forced evacuations amid extreme temperatures. Such heatwaves increase the frequency, severity, and geographic spread of wildfires, which damage natural ecosystems, degrade air quality, and disrupt biodiversity.
The economic impacts are also significant. Moody’s Analytics projects that if global warming continues under current policies, heatwave-related economic costs could rise from about 1% of GDP today to 3% by 2050. This implies a substantial strain on Spain’s economy, along with health and environmental consequences.
The heatwave has affected various regions across Spain, with Andalusia, Madrid, Castile-La Mancha, Extremadura, and Galicia under the second-highest alert level, orange. Seven additional regions, including Aragon, Catalonia, the Basque Country, and Navarre, are under the third-highest alert level, yellow.
Tragically, the heatwave has already claimed lives, with the regional government of Extremadura reporting the death of an 85-year-old man due to extreme temperatures. However, the Balearic Islands, including Mallorca, are expected to be largely spared from the heatwave.
Despite the heat, many Madrid residents and tourists chose to cool off in the streets, with some protecting themselves from the sun with umbrellas and creative methods like wearing T-shirts on their heads. Retiro Park in Madrid was a popular refuge for those seeking to cool off. The heatwave is predicted to last about a week, longer than the duration already observed.
As the heatwave continues, it is crucial for individuals to take necessary precautions to protect themselves and for authorities to implement measures to mitigate the impacts on public health, the environment, and the economy.
[1] European heatwave causes thousands of deaths, with around 380 deaths in Spain in June 2025 alone attributed directly to high temperatures. [2] Vulnerable groups such as elderly people, pregnant women, and children are especially at risk, with heat compromising physiological cooling processes and increasing morbidity. [3] Moody’s Analytics projects that if global warming continues under current policies, heatwave-related economic costs could rise from about 1% of GDP today to 3% by 2050, implying significant strain on Spain’s economy along with health and environmental consequences. [4] The Spanish Ministry of Health has issued health warnings due to extreme heat, underscoring ongoing risk. [5] Wildfires in Spain caused fatalities and forced evacuations amid extreme temperatures exceeding 40°C and record-breaking regional heat. Such heatwaves increase the frequency, severity, and geographic spread of wildfires, which damage natural ecosystems, degrade air quality, and disrupt biodiversity.
[1] The alarming number of fatalities due to the current heatwave in Spain, such as the 380 reported deaths in June 2025, highlights the need for more emphasis on improving climate-change responses.
[2] Given the increased morbidity and health risks that extreme heat poses to vulnerable groups, it is crucial for more environmental-science research to develop strategies to mitigate heat-related health hazards in the future.
