Spain has recorded more than 1,000 heat-related deaths during June as the country endured one of its most intense and prolonged heatwaves on record, according to health authorities.

The Spanish Ministry of Health said over 1,000 people died from heat-related causes during the month, as temperatures soared well above seasonal averages across much of the country. The fatalities came during what officials described as the hottest first six months of a year since national records began.

The extreme weather saw temperatures exceed 40 degrees Celsius in several regions, with Spain’s national meteorological agency, AEMET, reporting record-breaking June temperatures in multiple cities. Scientists have linked the unusually intense heat to the broader effects of climate change, which has increased the frequency and severity of extreme weather events across Europe.

Health authorities warned that older adults, people with underlying medical conditions, and outdoor workers were among the most vulnerable to the extreme temperatures. Officials urged residents to remain hydrated, avoid unnecessary outdoor activities during peak heat, and regularly check on elderly relatives and neighbours.

Spain was among several European countries affected by the late-June heatwave, which also brought record temperatures to France, Germany and other parts of the continent. The World Health Organization has warned that such heatwaves are becoming more frequent and more dangerous, stressing the need for governments to strengthen heat-health action plans and climate adaptation measures.

Meteorologists expect periods of extreme heat to remain a recurring challenge during the summer, with authorities continuing to monitor weather conditions and issue public health advisories as needed.