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Heatwave death number not released for a year

Thursday, 2 July 2026 06:30

Switzerland will not know its heatwave death toll for another year, even as figures for the rest of Europe start to land.

The World Health Organization has now estimated more than 1,300 extra deaths across Europe from June's heatwave, with France alone recording around 1,000.

in Switzerland, the Federal Health Office's excess-mortality analysis won't be ready for a year, since the calculation needs a lengthy statistical review.

Several Swiss hospitals have reported a sharp rise in activity during the peak days. Health experts warn the country's care system is being tested more and more often as heatwaves grow longer, hotter and earlier in the year.

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