Because of the June heat wave: the number of deaths has increased
Created: 07/12/2022, 18:35
By: Michelle Brey
In June, a heat wave in Germany made things difficult for people.
It's supposed to be very hot again in July.
© Fredrik von Erichsen/dpa
As Germany heads into the next heat wave, high temperatures pushed up deaths in June.
This is the result of data from the Federal Statistical Office.
Munich – The heat wave increased the number of deaths in Germany in June.
78,298 people died - this is eight percent more than the average for June in the years 2018 to 2021. This was announced by the Federal Statistical Office on Tuesday (July 12) in Wiesbaden.
The numbers had increased, especially in the second half of the month.
The weather in Germany at this time was characterized by very high temperatures.
Because of the heat wave in June: the number of deaths has increased
The weather in June 2022: A review
In fact, June 2022 showed its midsummer side.
Overall, it was an "extraordinarily warm, very dry and extremely sunny summer month", according to the German Weather Service (DWD).
In addition to "relaxing barbecue and bathing weather", "scorching hot days and exceptional drought" and "heavy thunderstorms, heavy rainfall and hailstorms" were observed.
According to the DWD, "scorching hot days" were recorded particularly in the east.
The maximum value was measured on June 19th in Dresden-Strehlen and in Cottbus with 39.2 °C.
In the two weeks from June 13th to 26th, the number of deaths would have been significantly higher than the comparative values with an increase of ten and 14 percent respectively.
"The fact that the number of deaths increases in the course of heat waves is a well-known effect that has also been observed in previous years," said the Federal Statistical Office.
Increase in deaths - also because of Corona?
A direct impact of the coronavirus pandemic, on the other hand, is unlikely.
Although the Robert Koch Institute recorded more Covid 19 cases from the week of June 13 to 19, the number of serious illnesses had not yet increased significantly, the Federal Office said.
So far, the comparison has only been possible up to June 19, the statisticians emphasized.
In May, the number of deaths was six percent above average, in April it was five percent.
Overall, the Federal Statistical Office registered a later seasonal decline in the number of deaths than in previous years.
It attributed this to Corona and a seasonally atypical wave of flu in April and May.
Meanwhile, extreme temperatures are expected again in Germany in July.
Will the 40 degree mark be cracked?
An expert focused on two specific days - and warned of a "quiet storm".
(mbr with dpa)