The summer heatwave caused nearly 1,260 deaths in Switzerland
Keystone-SDA
Last summer’s heatwave caused around 1,260 deaths in Switzerland between May and August, according to estimates published on Thursday by the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH). This provisional figure is similar to the record high set in 2003.
The summer of 2026 was the hottest on record in Switzerland since records began, surpassing the heatwave of 2003. According to a provisional report by Swiss TPH, commissioned by the Federal Office of Public Health and the Federal Office for the Environment and first reported by Tamedia newspapers, 1,257 deaths between May and August were statistically attributable to high temperatures.
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This corresponds to 14 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants and 5.5% of all deaths during this period. Vulnerable people are hardest hit by extreme temperatures. Around 85% of the heat-related deaths were among those aged 75 and over. Heat is the deadliest natural hazard in Switzerland.
Final figures expected next year
Statistically, around 70% of deaths attributed to heat coincide with hot days (average temperature of 25°C or above but below 27°C) or very hot days (27°C or above). These days caused 485 and 400 deaths respectively. The remaining 373 deaths occurred on days with moderate heat, below the 25°C threshold. The figures of 25°C and 27°C correspond to heatwave alert levels 3 and 4 as defined by MétéoSuisse.
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Taking statistical uncertainties into account, the total number of heat-related deaths and the rate per 100,000 inhabitants in 2026 are similar to those recorded in 2003. However, September has not yet been included in the figures.
The assessment carried out by Swiss TPH cross-references the daily temperatures measured by MeteoSwiss with the number of deaths recorded by the Federal Statistical Office. The mortality data analysed were still provisional, as reports are sometimes submitted late. A consolidated and detailed version will be published in spring 2027.
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Switzerland feels cost of record summer heat
The Swiss government announced last September that excess mortality due to the heatwave was expected. At the time, it estimated around 570 additional deaths among those aged 65 and over.
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Translated from French, reviewed by an English Department journalist.
